The News Journal from Wilmington, Delaware • Page A9

THE NEWS JOURNALdelawareonline.com A9 Howard John Claussen, age 81, fell into the arms of Jesus on January 8, 2015 after a courageous battle with cancer. He was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin in 1933. Howard married Dorcas (Tabby) Moeller, his cherished wife of 60 years on August 29, 1954. Thereafter, Howard graduated from Valparaiso University with a BS in Mechanical Engineering in 1955. His professional career spanned 39 years with the DuPont Company.

various postings in technical, manufacturing, marketing, and business management, included his start in Indiana, moving forward to Delaware, Boston, New Jersey, Mexico City, and London, England. The stretch of his career, brought Howard back to Wilmington, Delaware until his retirement in 1994. Following retirement, Howard was a dedicated and member of the Valparaiso University Board of Directors from 1991-2009 and the VU College of Engineering Council from 20102012. In 1984, he was recognized with the distinguished Alumnus Award, and in 2009 he was named as one of the top 150 most uential Valpo alumni. He was also a member of the Board of Regents at Concordia Theological Seminary in Ft.

Wayne, Indiana, as well as serving on the board for Intrust Center for Theological Schools. Most importantly, Howard loved the Lord Jesus and served Him throughout his life. He dedicated himself to congregational leadership in the Lutheran Church and to community service wherever he lived. Most recently his church home was Concordia Lutheran Church in Wilmington, DE. He gave generously of both his time and his treasure to many organizations including Meals on Wheels, Orphan Grain Train, he was a medical driver for LCS, and a volunteer at the Hagley Museum.

Howard was a wonderful and loving husband, father and grandfather. Although family members are separated by miles, he established a gathering spot in Waupaca, WI. Fondly known as Place, it was a favorite family location for annual celebrations. He is survived by his beloved wife Tabby, and their four children, Debbie Viviani, Becky (Jim) Wulliman, Steve (Lisa) Claussen, and Dorcey (Bob) Bartholomew. He is also survived by his brother Don (Heather) Claussen, and 13 grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, January 17, 2015 at at Concordia Lutheran Church, 3003 Silverside Road, Wilmington, DE 19810. The family will receive friends from 10-11am. In lieu of owers, memorial contributions may be made to Concordia Lutheran Church (The Family Ministry Fund) or Valparaiso University at www.support. valpo.edu. thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of from Revelation For online condolences, please visit CHANDLER FUNERAL HOMES CREMATORY chandlerfuneralhome.com 302.478.7100 HOWARD JOHN CLAUSSEN AGE: 81 WILMINGTON Willard (Bill) Cobb, age 92, died peacefully on January 9, 2015 at Cokesbury Village where he lived for the last years.

Bill was born in Newton Centre, Massachusetts to Virginia Emmons and Willard Cobb Sr. He was a graduate of Cheshire Academy. He attended Yale University for two years before serving in the U.S. Army Signal Corps in the U.S. and Europe during World War II.

Bill graduated from Bowdoin College in 1947 and started with the DuPont Company in Seaford, Delaware. There he met the love of his life marrying Inez Macklin in 1949. Bill had a 38 year career with the former Textile Fibers Department of DuPont participating in a number of marketing and planning management positions. Among his college, civic and church activities, he served as President of the Bowdoin Alumni Association in 1974. interests included sports, gardening and reading.

His greatest loves were his wife, Inez, his son, Barry, and his family. Bill and Inez are blessed with many friends they made and kept while living in Rhode Island, Ohio, New Jersey and Delaware through DuPont ca- reer. They enjoyed many happy, momentous occasions together includin 60th birthday weekend and 40th anniversary party. Bill and Inez took advantage of having their grandsons nearby for birthday celebrations, holidays, fun family trips and Sunday night dinners all infused with helpful grandparental guidance. For the last ten years, Bill was dedicated to the compassionate care of Inez in the skilled nursing facility at Cokesbury Village and all residents of the Willow Brook Court unit.

He established an annual award for an outstanding health care CNA and organized volunteers to accompany health care residents to the many entertainment events at Cokesbury. He was a member of Westminster Presbyterian Church and the Wilmington Country Club. He is survived by his son, Barry, his daughter-in-law, Rosemary, two grandsons, Bill (Christie) and Brendan (Katy) and a great grandson Macklin. There will be a memorial service at Cokesbury Village on Sunday, January 18 at 1:30 PM. Burial services in Seaford, DE will be private.

In lieu of owers, contributions may be made to Cokesbury Village through the PUMH Foundation Special Care Fund, 726 Loveville Suite 3000, Hockessin, DE 19707 or Westminster Presbyterian Church, 1502 West 13th Street, Wilmington, DE 19806. For online condolences, please visit CHANDLER FUNERAL HOMES CREMATORY chandlerfuneralhome.com 302.478.7100 WILLARD HOWARD COBB, JR. AGE: 92 COKESBURY VILLAGE Margaret Rose (Meighan) Wendt, 74 of Wilmington, DE passed away on Thursday, January 8, 2015. Margaret was employed with KinderCare Learning Center for more than 20 years. She was a talented cook and enjoyed preparing new and different recipes.

She also enjoyed sewing and coloring. Margaret loved the Christmas Season and was happiest spending time with her beloved family. She was predeceased by her father, Andrew Meighan. Margaret is survived by her husband of 56 years, Frederick; her sons, Fred, Jr. and his wife, Susan, and William; her daughter, Karen McMillan and her husband, Ken; her grandchildren, Andrew, Jennifer, Sara, Brittany, Brianna and Tristan; and her great grandchil- dren, Aubrey, Jamie, Charlie, Makayla and Riker.

She is also survived by her mother, Marie (Bartell) Meighan; and her sisters, Mary Ellen Grassi, Carole Cupo and Eileen Plover. Family and friends are invited to visit at the Doherty Funeral Home, 1900 Delaware Avenue, Wilmington on Saturday, January 17 from Funeral services will begin at Interment will be held privately. In lieu of owers, memorial donations may be made to the American Cancer Society, 92 Reads Way, New Castle, DE 19720 or the Tri- State Bird Rescue, 170 Possum Hollow Road, Newark, DE 19711. To offer condolences, visit www.dohertyfh.com 302.652.6811 MARGARET ROSE WENDT AGE: 74 WILMINGTON Elwood G. Cox, III 38 passed away in Wilmington on January 8, 2015.

Little Woody was born in Wilmington, beloved son of Theresa (Socko) Taylor and Elwood G. Cox, Jr. In addition to his parents he is survived by his daughter, Amanda M. Cox of New Castle; his sister, Danielle Malinowski and husband Chris Malinowski; his brother, John Cox, both of Newark; his maternal grandparents, Helen and John Socko and his paternal grandmother, Joan Cox, all of Wilmington. He was predeceased by his paternal grandfather, Elwood G.

Cox, Sr. A memorial service will be held on Wednesday evenin at the MEALEY FUNERAL HOME, 2509 Limestone Road, Wilmington, where friends may call after 6 PM and service at 7:30 PM. ELWOOD G. COX III AGE: 38 WILMINGTON Dr. David Holmes Edison of West Grove, PA, age 81, passed away January 9, 2015.

David was born in 1933 in Claymont, DE to Dr. Austin Myrtle Edison. He graduated from Claymont HS in 1951, Oberlin College (BS Chemistry) in 1955, and University of Rochester (PhD Chemistry) in 1959. He worked for E.I.DuPont de Nemours and Co. for 33 years.

He also volunteered for many years at Christiana Care and Jennersville Regional Hospital. He enjoyed sailing, woodworking and tinkering with electronics. He was a devoted husband, father and grandfather who always placed his needs above his own. He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Marian Wilson Edison; three children, Dr. James Austin Edison and his wife Susan of Columbus, OH, Michael David Edison of Hockessin, DE, and Susan Edison Church and her husband Kevin of Houston, TX; four grandchildren, David Kenneth Edison, Margaret Elizabeth Edison, Andrew Austin Edison, and Ashley Edison Church; and his brother Austin Edison of Wilmington, DE.

Internment will be private. In lieu of please send a contribution in name to the West Grove Fire 102 Walnut Avenue, West Grove, PA 19390. For online visit CHANDLER FUNERAL HOMES CREMATORY chandlerfuneralhome.com 302.478.7100 DAVID H. EDISON AGE: 81 WEST GROVE, PA Vivian Casperson Flagg, a lifelong Wilmington resident, died on January 9th. She was 102.

She was the daughter of Henry Lyle and Nellie May Webb Casperson, and was preceded in death by beloved husband, John B. Flagg. After graduating from the University of Delaware in 1934, Vivian taught math in Wilmington until 1946 when she married Flagg, a WWII aviator. An avid reader, doll collector, talented crafter, history buff and thrift store enthusiast, Vivian shared her passions with a wide circle of friends, including former students who stayed in contact for seven decades. was said a 92 year old former student.

matter how old you were, she related to Vivian kept a Facebook page, took classes at the local lifelong learning academy, gardened and regularly attended and hosted luncheons. At her 100th birthday party, U.S. Congressman John Carney, a neighbor, presented her a special resolution. Services will be held on Saturday, January 17, 2015 at CHANDLER FUNERAL HOME, 2506 Concord Pike, Wilmington, DE. Visitation at 10 am followed by a celebration of life at 11 am.

In lieu of owers donations may be made to or a charity of your choice. For online condolences, please visit CHANDLER FUNERAL HOMES CREMATORY chandlerfuneralhome.com 302.478.7100 VIVIAN C. FLAGG AGE: 102 WILMINGTON Passed away peacefully, surrounded by her family on Monday, January 5, 2015, at Christiana Hospital. Anita was born to the late, Francis and Alice (Carew) Janis. She was employed at the Veterans Administration for 35 years and retired in January of 2013.

Anita enjoyed craft making and sewing for her family and friends. She loved being social and spending time with her many friends and co-workers. Anita was an avid sports fan and especially loved Philadelphia sports teams. But most importantly, Anita was a dedicated grandmother and great- grandmother. She showered her family with generosity and love.

Anita was preceded in death by her husband, John L. Foster, and her grandson, Matthew L. Foster in 2012. She is survived by her sons, John Foster (Kathy), Christopher Foster (Geri), Daniel Foster (Sandy), and Patrick Foster; her 10 grandchildren, Chris, Jason, Bryan, Daniel, Eric, and Patrick Foster, Tina Birzes, Erica Dougherty, Kim Manno, and Devon Rhodes; as well as 14 great-grandchildren. Anita is also survived by her brother, Michael Janis (Jo Ann); sister, Frances Vavala (Donald), 1 niece, Michelle Janis; and 7 nephews.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend Mass of Christian Burial at St. John the Beloved R.C. Church, 907 Milltown DE 19808 on Friday, January 16 at 9:30 am. Friends may call th Funeral Home, 1400 Kirkwood DE 19805, on Thursday, January 15 from Interment will be in Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Bear, DE. th Funeral Home www.delawarefuneral.com 302.994.9614 ALICE ANITA JANIS FOSTER AGE: 82 PIKE CREEK passed on January 8, 2015.

Bette was preceded in death by her mother, Lucy Davis. She leaves to cherish her memories, father, Robert L. Davis, siblings, Gregory B. Davis, Augusta L. Davis, Joan M.

Bradley, Robert L. Davis, Jr. and Roby Gray and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. BETTE ANN DAVIS WILMINGTON Robert A. th, fondly known as age 60, of New Castle, DE, passed away peacefully at home on Saturday, January 3, 2015.

Born in Wilmington, Delaware on June 23, 1954, Griff was a son of Stanley Luther and Evelyn May Walker Cochran. He made his career as a sheet metal worker at G. Fedal Company for many years and was well known for his strong work ethic and the pride he had for his work. An avid sports fan, Griff greatly enjoyed watching football. He was preceded in death by his brothers, John and Richard White and a sister, Trish Edwards.

In addition to his parents, Griff is survived by his sons, Bryan A. and Robert Paulson, sisters, Brenda Milburn and Ellen Marie Dunford; his brother, Stanley Walker and a grandson, Robert Paulson, Jr. A visitation for family and friends will be held from 6 pm until 7 pm on Tuesday evening, January 13, 2015 at the Spicer-Mullikin Funeral Home, 1000 N. DuPont Parkway, New Castle, DE. A memorial service will be held at 2 pm on Friday afternoon, January 16, 2015 at the Chapel of Gracelawn Memorial Park, 2220 N.

DuPont Parkway, New Castle, DE. Interment will follow. In lieu of owers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, 92 Way, Ste. 205, New Castle, DE 19720. To sign guest book, visit spicermullikin.com SPICER-MULLIKIN FUNERAL HOMES CREMATORY 302-328-2213 ROBERT A.

GRIFFITH AGE: 60 NEW CASTLE Mildred O. Hamstead, a longtime resident of Seaford, died January 10th at Nanticoke Memorial Hospital. She was 88. Mildred was born January 15, 1926, in Wilmington, DE, the daughter of the late S. Lawrence and Velma (Snowberger) Graham.

She graduated from Greenwood High School, Greenwood, DE, and trained as a beautician in Wilmington, DE.Mildred was a homemaker, devoted to her family. She enjoyed quilting, sewing, knitting, and all forms of needlework. For many years she volunteered at the Hospitality Shop at Nanticoke Memorial Hospital and was a member of the Seaford Senior Center. In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her husband of 58 years, Elmer EllisHamstead, and her brother, Robert L. Graham.

She is survived by a son, William R. Hamstead and his wife Patricia of Seaford; two daughters, Sandi H. Robinson and her partner Alex Anderson of Federals- burg, MD, and Karen H. Ross and her husband Harold of Raleigh, NC; four granddaughters, Lisa R.Issler and her husband Philip of Cary, NC, Kristen N. Ross of Carrboro, NC, Kathryn Eccleston and her husband David of Salisbury, MD, and Karen Robinson of Glen Rock, PA; six great-grandchildren, Abigail, Bennett and Carson Issler, Josh Trice, Sheldon Trice and his wife Kate, and Chad sister, Betty Ann Berwick of Bear, several cousins, nieces and nephews.

Services will be held at Fleischauer Funeral Home, 16 West Market Street, Greenwood, DE, on Saturday, January 17th. Family and friends may call at 10 A.M. The service will be held at 11 A.M., and burial will follow at the St. Johnstown Cemetery in Greenwood. In lieu of the family suggests memorial contributions to the Nanticoke Center Building Nanticoke Senior Center, 1001 West Locust Street, Seaford, DE 19973.

MILDRED O. HAMSTEAD AGE: 88 SEAFORD Mary Louise Baumhoff Fuller died Sunday, November 9th at Riddle Village in Media, PA. A memorial service will be held at 11 am on Saturday January 17, 2015 at Westminster Presbyterian Church. Burial will be private. In lieu of the family suggests donations in memory of Mary Lou be made to Westminster Presbyterian Church, 1502 W.

13th Street, Wilmington, DE 19806 or to the Arthritis National Research Foundation, 200 Oceangate, Suite 830, Long Beach, CA 90802. For online condolences please visit CHANDLER FUNERAL HOMES CREMATORY chandlerfuneralhome.com 302-478-7100 MARY LOUISE BAUMHOFF FULLER AGE: 84 MEDIA Ed passed away at his home on Thursday, January 8, 2015. Ed was an HVAC technician and worked at several in New Castle County. He was an avid outdoors man and enjoyed sh- ing and crabbing. He also loved music and playing the guitar.

Ed is survived by his parents, Edwin L. Sr. and Betsy Danko Henry; his brother, John Henry (Karen); his niece, Lauren Henry; and his nephew, Jack Henry. A funeral service will be held at the Doherty Funeral Home, 3200 Limestone Road, Pike Creek on Friday, January 16, 2015 at 11am, where friends may visit beginnin at 10am. Burial will follow in Cathedral Cemetery.

To send condolences, visit: www.dohertyfh.com 302-652-6811 EDWIN L. HENRY, JR. AGE: 45 WILMINGTON OBITUARIES I Centersdistributethefundstopeoplewhoareinneedofbasicnecessitiessuchas 302-472-0705. a i a PLANNINGYOURESTATE TheNeedyFamilyFund, byTheNewsJournalthatraises moneyforthoseinneedin ourcommunity. A I Monetarydonationsmaybedonatedyear-roundtotheAnnualFundand totheEndowmentFund.Giftsof$500ormoremaybedesignatedtogototheNeedy FamilyEndowmentFund.ForinformationontheEndowmentFund,contacttheDelaware Additional Obituaries, A8, A10 A11.