Skip to main content

Chester County Press

Obituaries for the week of June 11

06/12/2018 10:01AM ● By J. Chambless

EUGENE ELEUTHERE DUPONT WEYMOUTH

Eugene Eleuthere duPont Weymouth, 85, of Kennett Square, passed away on June 11, surrounded by family and caregivers who loved him very much.

He was born in 1933 in Wilmington, Del., to George and Deo duPont Weymouth. He attended A.I duPont and Westtown school. After graduating from the McDonough Military Academy in 1951, he attended the University of Wisconsin. Born into a family that had a love of horses, his  talent as an equestrian was evident at a very young age. As a child he competed at the Devon Horse Show, but then set his sights on the sport of steeplechase, later becoming one of the top amateur steeplechase jockeys of his time. Some of his career highlights include winning the Western Pennsylvania Hunt Cup, Monmouth Hunt Cup, New Jersey Hunt Cup, and the Maryland Hunt Cup. He also won the Pennsylvania Hunt Cup and, years later, allowed the race to be run on his farm in Kennett Square. 

At the age of 24 Gene started training racehorses becoming a leading trainer at numerous New England tracks. At the encouragement of his father, he went off to work as a stockbroker for a brief period of time, but returned to training. From 1984 until his retirement in 2010, Gene trained horses at the Fair Hill Training Center, working with his employees from early mornings until late evenings.

He looked forward to visits with his sons and was a proud grandfather. He enjoyed watching football and betting with friends. After retirement his time was spent traveling with his wife, Cindy, and his four-legged friend, Huey. He spent several winters in Florida and North Carolina, where he enjoyed fishing, swimming, exploring new areas, watching sunsets and reading his newspaper.

He was a member of the National Steeplechase Association, National Museum of Racing, Pennsylvania Horse Breeders Association and Maryland Horse Breeders Association.

Gene was preceded in death by his son, George Tyler Weymouth; his brother, George A. Weymouth; and Trinda Hope Weymouth. He is survived by Cynthia Irwin Weymouth, his wife of 19 years. He is also survived by his sons, Eugene Eleuthere duPont Weymouth, Jr., and Knox Shaw Weymouth, his wife Dori Ann Weymouth, and their three children. He is also survived by his sister, Patricia Bradford Hobbs; six nieces and nephews; and his former wife, Betty Shaw Weymouth.

He will be remembered by many in the horse racing community and missed and loved by all who knew him. Services and Interment are private. In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to the National Steeplechase Association, The Steeplechase Fund, 400 Fair Hill Drive, Elkton, MD 21921. To send online condolences, visit daniels-hutchison.com.


FRANCES M. WHITESIDE

Miss Frances Mary Whiteside, 95, of Oxford, died on May 30 at Ware Presbyterian Village Nursing Home after an extended illness.

She was born in Lower Oxford, a daughter of the late Frank and Mary Rogers Whiteside. She lived in the Oxford area her entire life. She was a 1941 graduate of Oxford Area High School, and attended Goldey Beacom College. She was employed with Acme Market in Oxford as the head checker for many years, retiring in 1979 after 39 years of service. She was a member of Nottingham Green Stone Presbyterian Church in Nottingham. She had formerly been a member of the Oxford Presbyterian Church in Oxford, where she was a Sunday school teacher for many years and sang in the church choir.

She enjoyed homemaking, reading, gardening and traveling.

She is survived by one sister, Edith Whiteside Hansen of Nottingham; one niece; and three nephews. She was preceded in death by three sisters, Gladys Ann Whiteside, Ella Mae Whiteside, and Laura Emily Whiteside.

A funeral was held June 6. Interment was in Oxford Cemetery. Online condolences may be made at www.elcollinsfuneralhome.com.


JAMES ARMSTRONG

James “Mike” Armstrong, 67, of Cochranville, passed away on May 31 at the Christiana Hospital.

He was the husband of Lorraine Barlow Armstrong, with whom he shared nine years of marriage. Born in Upland, Pa., he was the son of James C. Armstrong of Harrisburg, and the late Joy Fritz Armstrong. Mike was a janitor at Hanes Foods in West Chester. He was a member of the William W. Fahey American Legion Post 491 in Kennett Square, where he served as a member of the Honor Guard. He was a great bluegrass music fan, and he enjoyed camping, fishing, and being with his family and friends.

In addition to his wife, Mike is survived by three stepdaughters, Tina Nunn of Cochranville, Barbara Price and Darlene Hughes; one sister, Linda Joy Armstrong of Camp Hill, Pa.; five brothers, Daniel Armstrong of Lincoln University, David A. Armstrong of Lenape, John D. Armstrong of Williamsburg, Va., Stephen P. Armstrong of Warren, Pa., and Andrew G. Armstrong of Linwood, Pa.; two grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.

A funeral was held June 8. In lieu of flowers, a contribution may be made to the William W. Fahey Post No. 491, 208 East State Street, Kennett Square, PA 19348; or to the Disabled American Veterans, 1601 Kirkwood Highway, Wilmington, DE 19805. To view his online tribute and to share a memory with his family, visit www.griecocares.com.


MARY LORA PIERCE

Mary Lora Pierce, 91, of Cross Fork, Pa., died June 3 at her residence.

Born in 1926 in Oxford, Pa., she was the daughter of the late Townsend J. and Elsie J. Hunter Barnett.   She married Lynn Pierce, who preceded her in death in 1996. Mary had worked as a house painter and also mowing lawns, but largely had enjoyed being a homemaker. She attended the Sunset Memorial Church and was active in fundraising for the Kettle Creek Ambulance Association and Kettle Creek Fire Company. Mary was also well known for sending cards to her many friends for their birthdays and anniversaries, as well as get-well cards.

She is survived by a sister, Florence B. Hannum of Spring City, Pa.; two nieces, Kathleen and Beverly; and one nephew, Peter. She was preceded in death by a brother, Guy J. Barnett, in 2008.

A memorial service is being planned in Oxford at a future date and will be announced later. Memorial contributions can be made to the Kettle Creek Ambulance Association through the funeral home (Dean K. Wetzler, Jr. Funeral Home, 320 Main St., Mill Hall, PA 17751). Online condolences can be made at www.wetzlerfuneralhome.org.


DENNIS M. WILLIAMS

Dennis M. Williams, 75, of Kennett Square, passed away on June 5 at Neighborhood Hospice in West Chester.

He was the husband of Anne Marie DeWire Williams, with whom he shared 41 years of marriage. His first wife, Joan Engler Williams, passed away in 1976. Born in Philadelphia, he was the son of the late John A. Williams and the late Catherine Selzle Williams. He served in the U.S. Air Force from 1961 to 1967. Dennis was a Pennsylvania State Trooper, retiring after 16 years of service. After his retirement, he worked in the security department at Longwood Gardens, retiring in 2010 after 15 years of service. He was a member of St. Patrick Catholic Church in Kennett Square. He enjoyed being with his family and friends, especially his grandchildren, who were the light of his life.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by four daughters, Leslie Muir and her husband David of Coatesville, Paula Wallace and her husband Walter of Mechanicsville, Va., Kelly Burton and her husband Michael of Chester Springs, and Lynn Williams of West Chester; and 10 grandchildren. He was also predeceased by one brother, John Williams.

A funeral was held June 8. Burial was in St. Patrick’s Cemetery in Kennett Square. In lieu of flowers, a contribution may be made to St. Patrick Church, attn: Renovations, 205 Lafayette Street, Kennett Square, PA. To view his online tribute and to share a memory with his family, visit www.griecocares.com.


JOSEPH D. GOSS

Joseph Davison Goss, 75, of Colora, Md., passed away on June 4 at Union Hospital in Elkton, Md.

Born in West Chester, he was the son of the late Joseph E. and Virginia Davison Goss. Joe was a graduate of the Oxford Area High School, Class of 1960. He was active in sports while in high school as a member of the Varsity Soccer Team. He graduated from Goldey-Beacom College in Wilmington, Del. He retired from the County of Chester as a computer programmer. He served honorably in the U.S. Navy from 1960 to 1964. He would often recount his experiences as a member of the crew of the USS Alstede and their many med cruises across the Atlantic from Norfolk to the Mediterranean. As a result of his time in the Navy, Joe was active with numerous veterans organizations over the years. He volunteered at the Coatesville VAMC PTSD Program and the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C. He especially enjoyed traveling with friends to the Vietnam Memorial in Angel Fire, New Mexico, volunteering at the memorial during the Memorial Day activities held there yearly. Joe was active in Cub and Boy Scouting when he was younger, and as a leader and Scout Master as an adult. He attained the rank of Eagle Scout and was a member of The Order of the Arrow. He was a member of the Oxford Presbyterian Church and was a life member of the Union Fire Company No. 1 of Oxford, with 55 years of service. Joe served as fire company president in 1987 and 1988. He was also a member of the Vietnam Veterans of America, Roy W. Gibson Post No. 535 American Legion in Oxford, Disabled American Veterans, and the VFW. He was also a volunteer with Medic 94 for many years and served as chairman of the board of directors of Medic 94 from 1987 to 1990. He enjoyed growing roses, country music, and was an avid book reader.

He is survived by one son, Joseph Charles Goss of Sanford, N.C.; two daughters, Cheryl Moran of Colora, Md., and Joanne Tyler (Mark) of Sanford, N.C.; four grandchildren; one great-granddaughter; and one brother, James R. Goss (Kathy) and their son, Brian Goss (Cindy), all of Oxford.

A memorial service was held June 9. In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to Union Fire Co., No. 1, 315 Market St., Oxford, PA 19363. Online condolences may be made at www.elcollinsfuneralhome.com.


NANCY EDNA SPRINGER DUPONT

Nancy Edna Springer duPont, of Conowingo, Md., passed away peacefully at home on June 1 at the age of 94.

She was born in Rockland, near Wilmington, Del., in 1924 to Willard Springer, Jr., and Edna Martenis Springer. She was predeceased by her husband, R. Jacques T. duPont, also a native of the Wilmington area; and two sisters, Elizabeth Springer Mahood and Marietta Springer Patterson. She is survived by four children, seven grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that any donations be made to the Old Swedes Church in Wilmington, Delaware. Link to donation form: www.oldswedes.org/forms/form_memorialgift.pdf. The memorial service will be private and at the convenience of the family. To view the full obituary and to send online condolences, visit www.rtfoard.com.


W. JOHN HUGHES

W. John Hughes, 72, of West Grove, passed away on June 10 at the VA Medical Center Hospice in Coatesville.

He was the husband of Edna Briggs Hughes, who passed away in 1998, and with whom he shared 30 years of marriage. Born in West Grove, he was the son of the late William J. Hughes and the late F. Miriam Pierce Hughes. He was a heavy equipment operator for Page Excavating in Lincoln University for 33 years, retiring in 2008. He served his country in the U.S. Army, and was stationed in Vietnam. He was an avid fisherman, enjoyed hunting, trains, sitting on his porch, making jelly, going to cookouts, and being with his family. He was a member of the Atglen Sportsmen’s Club in Parkesberg, and the NRA.

He is survived by one son, W. John Hughes, Jr., and his wife Nicole of Broadway, Va.; one daughter, Laura Hammond and her significant other, Kenny Sanchez of Oxford; one brother, Harold T. Hughes and his wife Nancy of McVeystown, Pa.; one sister, C. Dianne Hylton of West Grove; seven grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; sister-in-law, Betty Hughes of Landenberg; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by two brothers, Larry E. Hughes and baby Billy Hughes.

A visitation will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. June 14 and again from 11 a.m. to noon on June 15 at the Foulk & Grieco Funeral Home (200 Rose Hill Rd., West Grove). His funeral will follow at noon. Burial will be in the New London United Methodist Cemetery. To view his online tribute and to share a memory with his family, visit www.griecocares.com.


MARGARET FORSYTHE BAKER

Margaret Forsythe Baker, 91, passed away on April 22.

Known to her friends and family as Peg, she demonstrated her interest in social justice through her active involvement in a variety of community programs in the Kennett Square area. A few of these included After the Bell, Bridging and the Kennett Area Food Cupboard. A service celebrating her life will be held on June 16 at 1 p.m. at the Kennett Friends Meeting House in Kennett Square.

Donations can be made to the Kennett Square Area Food Cupboard, 136 W. Cedar St., Kennett Square, PA 19348. To view her online tribute and to share a memory with her family, visit www.griecocares.com.


JIM M. BEAVER

Jim "Max" Maxwell Beaver of West Grove passed away on June 6 in hospice at Jenner's Pond in Jennersville.

Born in Sunbury, Pa., he was the son of Marjorie Lorraine (Spitler) Beaver and the late Jim C. Beaver. In addition to his mother, he is survived by one sister, Andrea L. Tidlow and her husband John of Abingdon, Va.; his nephew, Graham Tidlow; and niece Jillian Tidlow. He was predeceased by one sister, Tamara Jill Beaver.

Max was a member of Avon Grove High School Class of 1969. He graduated from Penn State University with a Bachelor of Arts in theater. He was an actor, stagehand, stage combat instructor, and a proud member of the Actors' Equity Association and the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees Local 284. Max enjoyed theater, film and telling stories. The trivia of life became high adventure when he told it. He loved history and would have been gratified to know that he died on D-Day. Known as "Jimmy" in his early years, "Jim" and then professionally as "Max,” he was a kind and generous man whose friends were dear to him. He cherished the bonds with family, college roommates, former wife Kate, lady-love Cyndi, and his IATSE brothers and sisters.

As per Max's wishes, his body was donated to science. There will be no funeral. Interment services will be private. To view his on line tributes and to share a memory with his family, visit www.griecocares.com.


WILLIAM B. BLACKBURN

William B. Blackburn, 83, of Oxford, passed away on June 10 at Jennersville Hospital Tower Health in West Grove.

He was the husband of Jo Ann Hawks Blackburn, with whom he shared 61 years of marriage. Born in West Grove, he was the son of the late Donald D. and Alsey Phillips Blackburn. He was a dairy farmer in Barnsley, retiring in 1996. William was a member of Bethany Presbyterian Church in Oxford and the Oxford Hunt Club in Clinton County. He was also a member of The Gideons for 20 years. William enjoyed riding his motorcycle and hunting.

He is survived by his wife; one son, Richard Allen Blackburn of Houston, Texas; one daughter, Laura Ann Blackburn of Oxford; one grandson; two brothers, Ralph Blackburn (Peggy) of Hickory Hill, and Robert Blackburn (Marty) of East Nottingham Township; and several nieces. He was preceded in death by two sons, Randy Blackburn and James Blackburn.

Friends and family may visit from 9 to 11 a.m., followed by the funeral service at 11 a.m. June 16 at Bethany Presbyterian Church (2483 Baltimore Pike, Oxford). Interment will be in Oxford Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to Gideons International, PO Box 140800 Nashville, TN 37214. Online condolences may be made at www.elcollinsfuneralhome.com.