Herbert Thomas Faulls, veteran, man of faith

Herbert Thomas Faulls, 105, entered into the presence of his Lord Monday, March 16, 2026, at Accent Care in Wilmington. He was born May 26, 1920, in Philadelphia, Pa., the son of Amanda (Foster) Faulls and Robert Faulls, and the beloved husband of the late Ellen Faulls.

Herbert came of age during the Great Depression and, like many of his generation, left high school in the 11th grade to begin working. He went on to earn his journeyman rating as a pattern maker with the Budd Company, where he crafted components for the Chrysler Auto Corporation in the era before computerized manufacturing.

In 1944, he proudly enlisted in the U.S. Navy, serving in the Pacific Fleet as a gunner’s mate aboard a destroyer escort. During his service, he and his ship were credited with sinking three Japanese submarines as part of a Fleet Carrier Group. In later years, he was honored as the oldest living World War II veteran in Delaware and the fifth oldest in the U.S.

A man of deep faith, Herbert was a deacon emeritus of East Gate Presbyterian Church in the Long Neck community. He devoted decades of service to his church family, offering his skills as a carpenter, electrician, plumber, and general handyman. His dedication was well known – many recall seeing him on ladders making repairs well into his 90s. His love for his Lord and his church was evident in all he did.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to East Gate Presbyterian Church, eastgatepres.org.

Funeral services will be held at 11:30 a.m., Wednesday, April 29, at the Long Neck chapel of Melson Funeral Services, 32013 Long Neck Road, Millsboro. Family and friends may gather for visitation beginning at 10:30 a.m.  Following the service, interment with military honors will take place at 1 p.m., at Delaware Veterans Cemetery, 26669 Patriots Way, Millsboro.

Online condolences may be shared at melsonfuneralservices.com.