We Remember Those Who Have Passed

We Remember Those Who Have Passed
tdobituaries finished132

Rowen J. (Sonny) Neal

BERLIN – Rowen J. (Sonny) Neal, age 73, departed this life on Dec. 6, 2007.

Surviving are his wife, Nancy (nee Stokes); daughter, Cynthia N. Stillwaggon, and her husband, Jos. V. Stillwaggon; daughter, Pamela S. McCollum, and her husband Shon A. McCollum; grandchildren, Leslie M. Schwandtner, Bruce E. Knox, Jr., Lauren B. Wade and Kelly L. Brown; a sister Nancy L. Fletcher; and a host of family members and friends.

Neal was born and raised in Baltimore and attended Calvert Hall College.

In 1997, Rowen and Nancy Neal moved to Ocean Pines, where he worked at the Ocean Pines Golf Course and the Beach Club until his death. He was an avid golfer having achieved two "Holes-In-One" over the years.

Rowen was a member of First Presbyterian Church in Ocean City having served on its Session; Concordia Lodge #13, A.F.&A.M. and a member of the Optimist International organization. In October 2006 he held the position of Governor for the Maryland/South Delaware Optimist district being the first Governor to hold that position form the Eastern Shore.

Services were held. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to First Presbyterian Church, 13th St. and Coastal Hwy, Ocean City, Md. 21842 or Ocean City/Berlin Optimist Club, c/o Jos. Hammen, 121 Teal Circle, Ocean Pines, Md. 21811. Arrangements are by the Burbage Funeral Home in Berlin.

Fred L. Phillips

WILLARDS – Fred L. Phillips, 91, died Sunday, Dec. 9, 2007 at his home.

Born in Willards, he was the son of the late Ernest and Estella Baker Phillips. He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Edith L. Phillips; a granddaughter, Sharon L. Taylor; three great-grandchildren, Andrew, Glenda and Brandon Taylor; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his son, Glen F. Phillips, in 1985.

He owned and operated Fred Phillips Store for 60 years near Willards. He was a former racehorse owner and an avid horseracing fan. He loved his family, his store and his horses. He was a World War II Navy Veteran.

A graveside service was held on Thursday, Dec. 13, 2007. Donations may be made to Bethel United Methodist Church, c/o Doris LaCurts, 36609 Main St., Millsboro, Del. 19966.

Robert Jacob Barnes

PARSONSBURG – Robert Jacob “Jake” Barnes, 59, formerly of Millersville, Md. peacefully passed away Saturday, Dec. 1, 2007, with all his family by his side.

He lost his long courageous battle with cancer at Coastal Hospice at the Lake in Salisbury.

Barnes was born in Salem, N.J. He was preceded in death by his parents and grandparents. He was raised mostly in Glen Burnie, Md. but was so happy and at peace living in Ocean City. For the past 10 years, he was the building maintenance supervisor at the Golden Sands Club Condos in Ocean City.

He enjoyed his time away from work with his family. He was a very dedicated and loving husband, father and grandfather.

He is survived by his wife of 39 years, Barbara; two daughters, Sandra Barnes and Julie Barnes-Gullion; son-in-law, Justin R. Gullion; two grandchildren, Carlie and Jacob; three sisters, Helen, Mary Ann and Margaret; three brothers, Jack, Joe and Brian and their families; his mother and father-in-law, Florence and Donald Henneman of Glen Burnie; and many great friends and co-workers.

The Maryland State Anatomy Board received the gift of his body for the advancement of medical education and his eyes were donated to the Eye Bank. He will be cremated and his remains returned to his family. There will be no services.

Robert Arthur Hitch

FLORENCE, S.C. – Robert Arthur Hitch, 90, of Florence, S.C., died Saturday, Dec. 8, 2007, in a local nursing home. He was born Dec. 21, 1916, in Houston, Texas, to the late Arthur Romaine and Agnes Isabella Brotemarkle Hitch.

He received his Mechanical Engineering Degree from Duke in 1939 and a Master’s Degree in Automotive Engineering from University of Michigan in 1941. He helped develop the jet engine in World War II and helped to standardize international container design in 1960’s while working for Strick Trailer Corp.

Surviving, are sons, Robert Russell "Rusty" (Susan) Hitch of Florence and Arthur Rogers (Karen) Hitch of Cocoa Beach, Fla: grandchildren, Bob (Angela) Hitch, Katharine (Austin) Bond, Ryan (Jen) Hitch and Kyle Hitch; and four great-grandchildren.