Theodore "Buster" Ivory

With broken hearts, we share the passing of Theodore “Buster” H. Ivory on July 19, 2025 at the age of 85.  He was born to the late Theodore and Ida Ivory.

Ted started his work history at a very young age, working for Bill Hill in the chicken business and moved on to a tractor trailer driving for Kensel Rash. In the 1960’s he became employed by Del Homes building homes then with Ralph Shockley in the plumbing field.  There was very little Ted could not do.

In 1970 he began working for the State of DE Administrative Services until 1978 when he accepted a job with the Dept of Public Safety/Division of Motor Vehicles. He retired in 1999 after 29 years with the State. After retirement, he accepted a part time job with the State of Delaware Fleet services and worked there for several years.

He was a life time member of the Harrington Moose Lodge for 50 plus years. He served in the Del National Guards from 1956-1963. Ted received his GED from James Grove Adult Education in 1995 and was proud of his accomplishment.

Ted had a passion for trading vehicles, sometime trading several times a year. He especially liked his Fords and Jeeps that he kept meticulous clean. Ted was an avid music lover and played bass guitar in bands named Delaware Country and Easy Nights. He played throughout DE and MD in the 70s and 80s. Even after losing his eyesight, he would often pickup and play his guitar. He was also a devoted fan of the Washington Commanders and Nascar driver Mark Martin.

Ted was preceded in death by his father, Theodore Ivory (Edith); his mother, Ida Furber (Daniel); brother, Daniel “Buddy” Furber; sisters, Ida Masten, Mary Shockley, and Ruth Wolf.

He is survived by his loving wife of 47 years, Sharon Ivory; daughter Dawn Tribbett (Jennifer) and their children, Howard, Jeremy, Kaitlin; grandchildren, Mason and Sean; brothers, Matthew “Jigger” Ivory (Gloria), Frederick “Sonny” Furber (Theresa), Walter “Dickie” Ivory, William “Billy” Ivory (Sherry); sisters, Sara Wilkinson, Elizabeth Lewis, and Barbara Campbell; special nieces and nephews, Matt Ivory, Cheryl Wyatt, Patricia Brittingham, Amber Wink, Michelle Rains, and Logan and Haily Mayle.

In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes memorial contributions to the Houston Volunteer Fire Co., P.O. Box 122, Houston De, 19954.

A funeral service will be held on Friday, July 25, 2025 at the Thomas E. Melvin Funeral Home, Inc, 15522 S. DuPont Hwy., Harrington starting at 12:30PM. A visitation will take place starting at 11 AM. Interment will follow immediately after at Barratts Chapel Cemetery, Bay Road, Frederica, DE.

Arrangements are by the Thomas E. Melvin & Son Funeral Home Inc, Harrington.  Visit us at www.melvinfuneralhome.com to sign the condolence book.