Carl Donophan

Carl Joseph Donophan, 75, died on Wednesday, September 2, 2026, after a brave three-year battle to survive pancreatic cancer. Carl was the deeply beloved husband of Patti Ann Donophan.

Carl was born March 29, 1951 to the late Woodrow Wilson Donophan (1917-2009) of Woodside, Delaware and Beatrice Donophan Shahan (1927-2014), of Magnolia, Delaware. Carl is survived by a brother, James Wilson Donophan and James’ wife Sherry, also of Magnolia, Delaware and by a sister, Donna Jean Faircloth of Tennessee. Another brother, Crawford Shahan, Jr., died in 2020. In addition, Carl is survived by his mother-in-law, Barbara (Titus) Beachy, his sisters-in-law Debora Foor, Laura Bell-Burkett and her husband Craig, and Cynthia Rust, and numerous nieces and nephews. He is also survived by his beloved service dog, Lt. Yoda, who helped to make Carl’s last years full of joy.

Carl and Patti were married July 19, 1980 at the United Methodist Church in Magnolia, Delaware. He and Patti met on the job at Playtex in January of 1976. They enjoyed a variety of activities together including frequenting auctions for all types of antique furniture and other items, bowling, Playtex parties and picnics, cruises, day bus trips, the movies, even attending college classes together. And one of their favorite places was their beach home in Chincoteague, Virginia.

Carl graduated from Caesar Rodney High School in Camden in 1969 and began a 38- year career at Playtex later that year. Carl’s career with Playtex spanned 39 years from 1969 until 2008. He began as a machine/line operator and ultimately served as Group Leader, Floor Person, Machine Monitor, Dye Specialist, Refill Handler, and Printer Slitter/Webbing Production Mechanic. In 2008, he began a new career with Allen Frear Elementary School and W. Reily Brown Elementary, serving as Assistant Chief Custodian/Maintenance/Fireman from October 2008 until January 2016.

While still working for Playtex, Carl joined the United States Air Force in 1971 as a volunteer and served as a Security Specialist and K-9 Handler. Security Specialists during this time were military police who protected Air Force bases and weapons systems, and the Air Force had established the Security Police Combat Preparedness Course as a top priority the year before Carl enlisted. Carl served as an assistant team leader at F.E. Warren Air Force Base in Cheyenne, Wyoming. In addition, Carl’s work as a K-9 Handler required an additional 360 hours of training. His years in USAF active duty also included tours of duty in Da Nang, Vietnam and Karamursel, Turkey (where he received Top Secret Clearance). He was awarded medals, ribbons, awards, and decorations too numerous to mention, including medals for the War on Terrorism, Republic of Vietnam Service, Efficiency-Honor-Fidelity, Meritorious Services, and National Defense. Carl retired in 2008 as a Senior Master Sergeant after a total of 33 years of service to his country. Carl loved his country, and he loved the people of the United States of America. He felt immense gratitude that he was able to serve in the military to do his part in defending and protecting America.

Carl was a true lifelong learner. He earned his first bachelor’s degree from Delaware State University in 1982 in Health & Physical Education, his second bachelor’s degree from DSU in 1992 in Business Administration, and a master’s degree in Business Administration from DSU in 1997. He also earned an associate’s degree in Aerospace Ground Equipment Technology from the Community College of the Air Force in 1991. He was recognized in Who’s Who Among Students in American Universities, and he made the Dean’s List and Honor Societies of Kappa Delta Pi, Alpha Chi, and Alpha Kappa Mu of DSU. He completed numerous courses at Kent County’s Vocational-Technical Center as an adult, including Electrical Apprenticeships I & II, Small Engine Repair, Basic Welding, Domestic Refrigeration and Air Conditioning and Oil Burners.

Carl made 225 donations to the Blood Bank of Delaware over a 30-year period. He served in Playtex’s Fire Brigade, Safety Committee, Inclusion Team, First Responders, and Activity Committee, and he served on the Supervisory Committee of the First State Credit Union’s Board of Directors for four years.

Friends and family will gather for visitation at the Melvin Funeral Home, 15522 South duPont Highway, Harrington, Delaware, beginning at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, September 16, 2026. The service will begin at 12 noon, and interment will be at the Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 26669 Patriots Way, Millsboro, Delaware at 2 PM.

Arrangements are entrusted to the Thomas E. Melvin & Son Funeral Home Inc.