Jack Hampton

Delaware State Police Sgt. Jack I. Hampton, retired, of Harrington, passed away at the Delaware Hospice Center in Milford, on Wednesday, May 12, 2021, at the age of 87.  He was the son of the late, David and Anna Hampton.

Growing up, Jack always knew he wanted to be a Delaware State Trooper.  While attending A. I. DuPont High School, he was a member of the Drum and Bugle Corps, where he played the trumpet.  As soon as he graduated, Jack was recruited to the 18th Academy Class to start his 20 year career with the Delaware State Police, retiring in 1978.  After his retirement, he became a member of the Association of Retired Delaware State Police.  He dedicated his life to being a trooper, and fulfilled his lifelong dream.

Jack enjoyed going to yard sales and auctions with his late wife, Shirley, often wheeling and dealing for the best prices.  He was an avid collector of everything, especially military artifacts and memorabilia.  Jack enjoyed tinkering, fixing things up, and playing music.  Not only could he play the trumpet, but he loved to play the guitar.  He rarely watched TV, and preferred to read magazines, schematics, and diagrams.  He had an appreciation for the Wild West and the old cowboys.  He also had a love for German Shepherd dogs and Jeeps, he was rarely without either in his life.

Jack was a “mark my words” man who was an old fashioned traditionalist, who stilled believed in the old world values.  He was best known for being fiercely independent, had an unique character, and definitely hated change.  Most of all, he loved his family immensely and will be deeply missed by all.

In addition to his parents, Jack is preceded in death by his loving wife, Shirley Hampton.

Jack is survived by his son, David Hampton; daughters, Kathy Hampton-Riveria, Susanne Faulkner, Jeannie Seleen; grandchildren, Becka Lofland, Gabriella Lofland, Sarah Parson, and Michael Faulkner.

A celebration of Life Service for Jack will be on Tuesday, May 18, 2021, at Melvin Funeral Home, 15522 S. DuPont Hwy, Harrington DE at 1 PM, with a walk through visitation from 11 to 1 PM.  Interment at Hollywood Cemetery, Harrington will immediately follow services.  We are adhering to the CDC and Delaware guidelines of occupancy limits, social distancing, and masks.

Arrangements are entrusted to the Thomas E. Melvin & Son Funeral Home, please visit us at www.melvinfuneralhome.com to express or send condolences.