Leslie Earl Maines

Leslie Earl Maines, Harrington, passed away peacefully on Monday, March 18, 2024, at the Bayhealth-Sussex Hospital, he was 80.  Mr. Maines was born in Clearfield, PA to the late, Arthur and Hannah Maines.

Mr. Maines served his country proudly in the Unites States Air Force, where he was an Aircraft Pneudraulic Systems Technician. He retired from the service after over 20 years.  He was a staple at Ace Hardware in Harrington for many years, but most recently, Mr. Maines worked for Tractor Supply in Seaford.

Mr. Maines enjoyed the outdoors immensely.  He could be found working in his garden, tending to his rose bushes, which he took great pride in, or time on the farm.  He also liked to be out on the lake bass fishing or hunting in Pennsylvania, tracking down deer, elk, and even bear.  Mr. Maines liked to tinker, whether it was on automobiles, or building and flying his model airplanes and helicopters.  Family BBQ's and spending time with family was always a top priority.

Mr. Maines was an outgoing person who never met a stranger.  He was easy to get along with and would help anybody in need to do whatever they needed.  He enjoyed volunteering for VITA, a program that provides free tax help to low-income, disabled, elderly and limited English speaking taxpayers.  He and his wife also fostered children in their home for over 20 years.  He truly had a caring heart and will forever be missed.

In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by a son, Lonnie Earl Maines; siblings, Chester Maines, Gilbert Maines, and Pete Maines.

He is survived by his loving wife, Crystal Maines; children, Dora (Wayne) Maines-Hurd, Lesley (Lionel) Castillo, Crystal (John) Briggs; siblings, Warren Knepp, Bonnie Tibbens, Connie Tibbens, 3 grandchildren, and 3 great grandchildren, several nieces and nephews.

A Funeral Service for Mr. Maines will be on Monday, March 25, at the Melvin Funeral Home, 15522 South DuPont Hwy., Harrington, DE, at 11 AM.  A public visitation will be held from 10 AM to 11 AM .  Interment will be at the Delaware Veterans Cemetery South, Millsboro.    

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the funeral home to offset funeral expenses.

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

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