Gilbert O. WardAGE: 78 • Rehoboth Beach, DEGilbert O. Ward, "Gil", beloved husband, father, and grandfather, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family at home on Sunday, May 14th, 2017. Gil was born on November 17, 1938 in Lewes, DE. He was preceded in death by his father Madison G. Ward, his mother Alice W. Marvel, brother Willard Ward, and brother-in-law Frank Hewlett. Gil was a graduate of Rehoboth High School. While there, he was a member of the All-State Band, co-captain of the football team and played in the first Blue/Gold All-Star football game in 1956. Gil was proud to have served in the U.S. Navy aboard the U.S.S. Pensacola, as well as the icebreaker U.S.S. Edisto in the North Atlantic and Arctic Oceans. Following the Navy, Gil attended the University of Delaware from which he graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration. Gil worked for E.I.duPont de Nemours and Company in transportation and distribution as well as purchasing. He retired from DuPont as purchasing manager in 1997 after 32 years of service. While retired, Gil enjoyed cooking, reading, surf fishing, music, and especially spending time with his family. He was a member of the U.S.S. Edisto Association and the Corvette Club of Delaware. Gil is survived by his wife of 56 years, Priscilla McGee Ward; son Michael G. Ward (Sonya); daughters Karen W. Powell (Rob), and Diane Ward-Fuchsluger (Stefan); five grandchildren: Lauren Powell, Andrew and Susan Ward, and Colin and Caitlin Fuchsluger. He is also survived by his stepmother Marian Ward; brother Jerry Ward (Cheryl); sister, Mary Ellen Skura (David); and sister-in-law Arlene Hewlett. His nieces and nephews include: Frank Hewlett, Jack Hewlett, Kay Ambrose, Wendy Stout, Richard Ward and multiple great nieces and nephews. The family would like to extend their sincere gratitude to the Tunnell Cancer Center and Delaware Hospice for their compassionate care. Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 AM on Thursday, May 25th, 2017 at Parsell Funeral Homes and Crematorium, Atkins-Lodge Chapel, 16961 Kings Highway, Lewes, DE 19958, where friends may call beginning at 10:00 AM. Interment will immediately follow services at Odd Fellows Cemetery in Milford, DE.In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to The Rehoboth Beach Library, 226 Rehoboth Avenue, Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971 or to Delaware Hospice, 100 Patriots Way, Milford, DE 19963. Please visit Gil's Life Memorial Webpage and sign his online guestbook at www.parsellfuneralhomes.com.