Donald Acker

Donald Henry Acker

Delmar-Donald Henry Acker, 98, of Delmar died Thursday, March 20, 2014, at Peninsula Regional Medical Center in Salisbury. He was born Oct. 21, 1915, in Judith Gap, Mont., a son of the late Henry Charles Acker and Lulu Elizabeth (Feemster) Acker.

Donald graduated from Delmar High School. After school he went to work for President Roosevelt's Civilian Conservation Corps during the Great Depression. He then started his railroad career as a fireman until he was drafted into the U.S. Army, where he proudly served his country during World War II. He returned to the railroad after the war and retired in 1978 with over 30 years of service. He loved attending church services and was a longtime member of Delmar Wesleyan Church and a friend of Laurel Church of Christ. In addition to his love for church he enjoyed the outdoors and gardening was a favorite hobby. Most importantly, he loved spending time with his grandchildren, whom he helped raise.

He is survived by his daughter and son-in-law, Karen K. and Lanny J. Sowell of Delmar; a granddaughter and her husband, Kristina Sowell Akin and James Gregory Akin of Austin, Texas; a grandson, Casey Joe Sowell of Delmar; and his loving caregivers, Wayne and Doris Mathis of Delmar.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Charlotte G. Acker, who passed in 2006; a son, Paul Donald Acker, who passed in 2009; and a brother, Lambert Paul Acker, who passed at the age of 8.

A funeral service will be held Wednesday, March 26, at 11 a.m. at Laurel Church of Christ, where family and friends may call from 10-11. Wayne Mathis and Ian Drucker will officiate. Interment will follow at Melson's Cemetery in Delmar.

Memorial contributions may be made in his memory to the Alzheimer's Association/Eastern Shore Chapter, 209 C Milford Street, Salisbury, MD 21804, Delmar Wesleyan Church, 800 East St., Delmar, MD 21875 or Laurel Church of Christ, 1004 Central Ave., Laurel, DE 19956.

Arrangements are in the care of Short Funeral Home of Delmar.

Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.shortfh.com.