John A. Honaker

John Anthony Honaker, 72, of Dover, Delaware, went Home to be with his Lord and Savior, Saturday February 14th, 2026.

He was born June 28th, 1953, in Gauley Bridge, West Virigina, to the late John Huling Honaker, Jr and Julia Maude Anthony.

He attended Christ our King Catholic School in Wilmington, Delaware, through grade school.

Then he went on to Salasianum and later graduated from Elkton High School, because, as Dad said, he begged his Mom and Dad to go to a school that had girls!

He later went to U.C.Berkley University in Berkley, California.

After his parents separated, Dad had a wonderful stepfather, William "Bill" Clouser, who he said his mother met while she was a waitress at Wilmington Diner. Dad said Bill was the best thing that ever happened to their family. He drove a tanker truck for Exxon and Dad said his earliest memories involved going out on the road with Bill and Bill letting him use his C.B. radio.

Dad was a very hard worker from a young age, starting in his Grandpop Anthony's shoe repair shop in Middletown, Delaware, then working on a horse farm and also at Dixon Construction.

Dad then proudly served in the United States Navy from 1971-1993 Retiring as Command Master Chief of Submarines, something Dad dreamed of doing since he was a young child. Dad said not many men made it through submarine school in Groton, CT.

He loved to tell stories about his tours around the world, including England, Spain, Scotland, and his favorite memory, breaking through the ice at the North Pole.

After his time in the Navy, Dad said he wanted to try different jobs and that he did. He was a manager for Travel Centers of America, Approved Equipment Co., Flapdoodles children's clothes, Ace Hardware, and later retiring from Emile Henry USA , a French cookware distribution company.

Dad often laughed that he would apply at the lowest position and end up being the manager!

Of all his careers, Dad really loved his Emile Henry family very dearly and missed them when he retired.

After retirement, Dad wasn't idle, he enjoyed going to the Smyrna Diner with his brother, Bruce, and helping prepare meals-on-wheels at the Mamie Warren Senior Center with one of his many best friends, Jim Marr. Because to Dad, every friend was a "best" friend!

Dad never knew a stranger, and was the first one willing to help in a time of need.

Dad was one-of-a-kind. He had an answer for everything, knew how to fix anything and was a listening ear to his family and everyone he came in contact with.

Dad had a deep love for music, especially playing the guitar. Dad's all time favorite band was the Beatles, he was their #1 fan.

Dad was a devoted Philadelphia Eagles fan and was extremely proud when they won The Super Bowl.

Dad made the greatest decision in his life in December 2013, when he accepted Jesus Christ and was baptized, at Smyrna Church of Christ.

He often said he would not have been saved if it wasn't for his son's influence.

Dad said of all the many things he's accomplished in life, his greatest accomplishment was having a son. He was very proud of him and all that he did in life, including marrying Brittany, of which he said, "you did the right thing".

He would often joke that he had his own personal RN. Dad would introduce them as his "daughter" and the guy she married.

He said if he ever had a daughter, he would have wanted her to be like Brittany.

Dad enjoyed spending time with his son, including road trips, going to lunch, and fixing farm tractors and equipment. Dad was definitely a family man and loved nothing more than being around his family.

We would like to personally recognize Bayhealth Kent General Hospital for the wonderful care that Dad received over the last few years, especially his favorite nurse, Miranda.

Dr. Khaled El Jazzar, for (in Dad's words) saving his life when he had his massive heart attack in 2013.

Dr. Theodore Tann, for all that he's done in primary care.

And lastly, Delaware Hospice for the AMAZING care that you all gave to Dad, when he needed it most. You made Dad so comfortable, even from the time we got to the facility, Dad told us "you picked the right place".

Words cannot describe how grateful we are to you and the nurses that attended to Dad.

It was just like Dad to go Home on Valentine's Day, a day we will never forget. It is a testament to his unwaivering love for his family.

Dad, you took a piece of our Hearts with you and we are left with wonderful memories.

While we are so very saddened by you leaving, we know that one day we will be together again!

Until that time, it's not goodbye, Dad, but rather, "see you later"!

In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his grandparents, John Huling Honaker, Sr, Gertrude Hawley Honaker, Charles Anthony, Marie Anthony, stepfather Bill Clouser, brother, David Honaker and a dear cousin who was like a brother, Dante Danese.

John is survived by his loving wife of 37 years, Susan Cameron Honaker of Dover, DE; his son, John Cameron Honaker (Brittany) of Dover, DE; and his brother, Bruce Wayne Honaker (Debra) of Clayton, DE.

Funeral services will be held 11:00am, Saturday February 21st, 2026, at Central Mennonite Church, 220 West Denneys Road, Dover, Delaware, 19904. Friends and family may gather one hour prior.

Interment will be private

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions be made to Delaware Hospice, 100 Patriots Way, Milford, DE 19963