Kenneth E. McIlvain, avid gardener
Kenneth E. "Ken" McIlvain, 88, of Bridgeville passed away Thursday, Oct. 16, 2014, to his heavenly home. He was born Dec. 20, 1925, in Wilmington, son of the late Luther and Mary McIlvain.
In 1937, Ken moved to Greenwood to live with his foster parents (Carl Tucker's family) until 1947. He was a graduate of Greenwood High School and enjoyed a 36 1/2 year career with Diamond State Telephone Company, retiring in 1984 as a service technician.
Ken loved volunteering and being active in his community. He was a local 4-H leader; past president 4-H Links Association; past president Greenwood Alumni; 62-year member of Union United Methodist Church; life member Telephone Pioneers of Caesar Rodney Club; superintendent of the Vegetable Department at the Delaware State Fair from 1987-2013.
Ken was a life member of the Bridgeville Volunteer Fire Company, where he had been a member since 1959. He was active in both fire and ambulance duties and served as assistant secretary and secretary from 1960-97. Many knew Ken as the "sign man," since he took responsibility for posting quotes and community information on the marquee in front of the station since 1984. He received the community service award for outstanding commitment and dedication to his community.
Ken was an avid vegetable and flower gardener who also enjoyed woodworking. He loved the Delaware State Fair, walking the grounds, visiting with friends, and supervising the vegetable department. Ken enjoyed home-cooked meals, never missing an opportunity to sit down to good food and conversation. His conversations would generally be on the subject of the old times, and how happy and simple life was then.
Ken loved his family time, especially time spent with his granddaughter. He will be remembered as a dedicated public servant who spent countless hours volunteering, a selfless man who always put others first, and a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend.
In addition to his parents, Ken was preceded in death by his loving wife of 66 years, Doris, in 2013; eight sisters and four brothers. He is survived by his two daughters, Gail Simpson and her husband Dr. David of Wilmington; Faith and her husband Ricky Argo of Bridgeville; a granddaughter, Risa Simpson; and his sister and brother-in-law, Jean and Joe Williamson of Bridgeville. as well as nieces and nephews.
A viewing will be held from 5 to 8 p.m., Wednesday, Oct. 22, at Parsell Funeral Homes & Crematorium, Hardesty Chapel, 202 Laws St., Bridgeville. Funeral Services will be held at 11 a.m., Thursday, Oct. 23, at Union United Methodist Church, 2 N. Laws St., Bridgeville, where friends may visit beginning at 10 a.m. Interment will follow services at St. Johnstown Cemetery, Route 16, Greenwood.
Ken's family would like to express a special thank you to all the nurses and doctors at Delaware Hospice, and Nanticoke Memorial Hospital Cancer Care Center, especially Dr. Muhammad Siddique and staff as well as his primary care physician Dr. Kenneth Smith. A special thank you to Shore Care of Delaware and his caregiver Nancy Boyd.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Bridgeville Volunteer Fire Department, P.O. Box 727, Bridgeville, DE 19933.
