Nathaniel Wabash Cropper

Nathaniel Wabash Cropper, 66

DOVER - Nathaniel Wabash Cropper, of Dover, passed away Tuesday, Dec. 12, 2006, in his home, after a long battle with cancer. He was 66.

Mr. Cropper was born March 26, 1940, in Wattsville, Va., son of Elsie Hardial and the late Thirgood Cropper.

After completing high school in Virginia, he moved to Stamford, Conn., where he met and married Geneva Davis in 1963. Together they raised nine children.

Mr. Cropper worked at Stamford Hospital for more than 20 years, starting as a dietary aide, then becoming the dietary supervisor. Realizing he would need a better paying job to support his growing family, he decided to study computer programming. After earning his computer programming certificate, Mr. Cropper began working in the hospital"s data center, using his talents to ascend to supervisor of computer programming, a position he held until retirement.

He took great pride in serving the Lord and being a founding member of Miracle Faith World Outreach, Stamford, where he served as pastor for several years and later as an elder of the church. For many years the church was his home away from home. As an ordained minister, he took every opportunity to talk about the love of God and over the years witnessed many miracles, but none as wonderful as someone giving their life to Christ. Upon retirement, he and his wife moved to Dover.

Mr. Cropper had a zest for life. Two of his greatest passions were the hustle of New York City and the calm, serene sights of the Eastern Shore, which could only be fully enjoyed while eating a good plate of seafood. He had a presence that demanded respect and a warmth that spoke to his good nature. His home played host to countless family members and neighborhood children. His love of God, life and family will be carried on by those he leaves behind and those who have had the fortune to share his company.

He is survived by his loving wife of 42 years, Geneva; nine children, Natalie of Washington, Richard and his wife Elizabeth of Waterbury, Conn., Bryan and his wife Doria of Omaha, Neb., Theron of Hillsborough, N.J., Ivan and his wife Joy of Indianapolis, Tirzah and her husband William of Magnolia, Keith and his wife LaTanya of Shelton, Conn., Nathan of Middletown, Conn., and Jennifer of Dover; his parents, Elsie and Phil Hardial of Norwalk, Conn.; two brothers and two sisters-in-law, Gerald and Mary of Norwalk and Purnell and Gail of Trenton, N.J.; a sister, Julia of Lawrenceville, N.J.; 12 grandchildren; and a host of uncles, aunts, cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.

Friends may call from 7 to 9 p.m. Sunday in Mount Enon Baptist Church, Milford.

Services will be 11 a.m. Monday in the church, where friends may call two hours earlier.

Burial will be in Milford Community Cemetery.

Arrangements by Bennie Smith Funeral Home, Dover.