Charles Richard Clendaniel, Sr.

Charles R. Clendaniel Sr., of Ellendale, passed Saturday, August 24, 2024, at home surrounded by the family he loved.

As a youngster he helped work the family farm in Thompsonville. His first formal employment was with Delmarva Nursery. He then worked at Playtex. Starting at the age of 16 he worked on Metz Layer farm for more than 10 years and later at Stiener & Co. as a machine operator for 16 years. During this time, he and his wife also raised broilers on his poultry farm in Ellendale as well as several other locations throughout Sussex County. They were recognized as Top Grower for several years. He was also a partner in Delmarva Poultry in Laurel. Following his retirement from poultry farming in 1982 he began employment with the State of Delaware (DelDot) as a drawbridge operator in 1983. After 25 years with the state, he retired in 2008.

In addition to the above Charlie had a pulpwood business and several rental properties throughout the years. Charlie’s many interests involved politics, storytelling, visiting with and caring for family, going “riding”, listening to Dan Gaffney, Wellers and old stories on the radio, antiquing, collecting farm equipment, gardening, raising and caring for his beloved farm animals. Charlie loved his prize-winning chickens and his horse, Buddy Boy. By following the principles of Matthew 6:1-8, he felt lead to help those in need, but rarely sought recognition. He was a faithful and God-fearing man. He was known to spread the word of the Lord through storytelling and conversation, especially when he didn’t think you were paying attention. He made a point to put God and family first in all that he did. Charlie had his own way of doing things and he made sure you knew it. In all things, he did them with love and devotion to God and his family.

Charlie was preceded in death by his parents, Joshua and Sallie (Dawson) Clendaniel of Milford, and siblings Joshua Clendaniel Jr., Avery Clendaniel, James Clendaniel, Catherine Voshell, Elois Hall, Edna Chipman, Robert Clendaniel, Jean McMasters, Sister In Law - Mary Bowden and his wife of 50 years Patricia Ann Clendaniel.

Charlie is survived by his children and their spouses, Charricia (Tracey) and Norman Lear Jr. of Harrington, Pamela and Francis (Chuck) Prettyman of Georgetown, Debbie and Randall (Randy) Craft of Milton, Charles R. Clendaniel Jr. and Chris Garland of Seaford, Dawn and Steven Kifer of Ellendale, and Patricia (Trisha) and Brian Marney Jr. of Milford and his 15 grandchildren, Jennifer Antonik and Jessica Rash, Stacey Willoughby and Nicole Armentrout, Brandon Craft, Charles III and Thomas Clendaniel, Victoria Littleton, S. Craig Kifer, Daniel Kifer, Charles Kifer, Timothy Marney, Cheyenne Swain, Savannah Marney and Shawn Marney, their spouses; 28 great grandchildren; sisters, Ruth Heinen (Charles) and Laura (Ted) Welch, brothers-in-law Darrell McMaster, Raymond Dee Bowden (Cindy) and sister-in-law Leona Clendaniel; along with several nieces, nephews and cousins.

A viewing will be held at Berry-Short Funeral Home, 119 NW Front St., Milford, DE 19963, on Friday, August 30th, 2024 from 6-8 p.m. A private service will be held at Lincoln Cornerstone Church on Saturday, August 31st, 2024. The family welcomes family and friends to a graveside service at the Ellendale Cemetery at 12:30 p.m. on Saturday.

Online condolences may be sent at https://www.shortfuneralservicesandcremation.com/.