Charles E. Short Sr. passed away at his home on June 29, 2024. The eldest of four children, Charles was born on Dec. 23, 1932, to Emory and Elsie Short in Seaford. Charles met the love of his life, Evelyn Rice, in high school and they married on Feb. 16, 1952.
Never venturing far from Seaford, Charles began working on his family farm as a young child and continued farming with his wife and children. He worked with his father-in-law operating a bread delivery truck before becoming a salesperson at I.G. Burton’s automotive. Charles left I.G. Burton to work for DuPont at the world’s first nylon plant, where he eventually retired in 1993. Never one to sit still for long, he remained active working as a Sergeant-at-Arms for the Delaware House of Representatives, going to the gym, enjoying Saturday morning breakfasts with family and friends, baking and cooking, and vacationing at the beach. His greatest joy was spending time with his family.
Charles had an enormous heart, was clever, and full to the brim with knowledge gained through all of his life experiences. He could fix or build anything. He had a wonderful sense of humor like his father. If you were lucky enough to be the victim of one of his many practical jokes, you would not soon forget it as the story would be frequently shared and always brought about new laughter and smiles.
Charles was predeceased by his wife Evelyn and his brother Pete. He will be lovingly remembered by his siblings, Doris Collins and Joan Whaley; his seven children and their spouses, Edward Short (Mary), Charlie Short (Vivian), Christine O’Bier (Mark), Dale Short (Debbie), Frances Morthole (George), Bruce Short (Suzanne), Carol Schwan; 17 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren, as well as numerous extended family and dear friends.
A service in celebration of Charles’ life followed the visitation on July 7 at the Atlanta Road Alliance Church in Seaford.