Obituaries for the week of November 15th
Lucas Robert Talley
Lucas Robert Talley, 24, of Kennett Square, gained his angel wings on October 24, 2023, with his family by his side. Luke fought a courageous battle but was unable to overcome injuries he sustained in an auto accident.
Luke is the son of Dawn Winward Talley and John "Jack" Talley Jr. He is survived by his sister Emily Talley Hood and her husband Bryan Hood of Kennett Square and brother Jonathan Talley of Chadds Ford. He was Uncle Lukie to Kennedy and Carter Hood. He is also survived by his grandfather, Edward Harvey of Chadds Ford. He was predeceased by his maternal grandmother, Bonne Winward of Chadds Ford and grandfather Robert "Butch" Winward of Avondale and paternal grandfather John Talley Sr. of Chadds Ford.
Luke graduated from Unionville High School, class of 2018, and went on to earn his business degree from Penn State University, graduating with Honors in 2022.
He was a proud member of Tau Phi Delta fraternity. He was an entrepreneur who would have been successful at any chosen career path, but he decided to become a plumber working side by side with his dad and be the successor to the family plumbing business.
Luke was a light on this earth that touched everyone he met. He was kind, funny, courageous, adventurous, compassionate, and oh, so smart. He had a smile that would brighten your day and a hug that would warm your heart. He made everyone around him feel happy, whether you met him for the first time or knew him your whole life. He was a loyal friend to so many who will miss him dearly. He was so loved!
Never one to sit around, Luke loved the outdoors. He was an avid hunter and fisherman and was currently teaching his young dog, Gunner, how to bird hunt. His greatest passion was motorcycles. He had barely learned to walk when he started riding. It was in his blood. He was very accomplished on a dirt bike, meeting new friends everywhere he rode whether it was at a local track or traveling to dual sport meets with his dad and brother. He was the wheelie king and could ride the road for miles on one wheel. Always looking for the next accomplishment, he began racing with his dad at several club tracks, achieving the distinction of expert rider at his young age.
Luke made his mark on this world. He touched everyone he met in some way and will always be remembered as that little guy with the greatest zest for life, the biggest heart and the brightest light.
You are invited to visit with Luke's family and friends from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 18 at Willowdale Chapel, 675 Unionville Road in Kennett Square.
Luke's Life Celebration will follow at 11 a.m. Contributions may be made to Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Give2.CHOP.edu in Luke's Memory to support the amazing work they do to help kids like Luke live a healthy and fulfilling life.
Arrangements are being handled by Grieco Funeral Home & Crematory, (484-734-8100) of Kennett Square.
To view Luke's online tribute and to share a memory with his family, please visit www.griecofunerals.com.
Barbara Tiley Blevins
Barbara Tiley “Bunny” Blevins (nee Thomson nee Metz), of Oxford, passed away on Nov. 6 at home with her family by her side. She was 80.
She was the wife of the late David A. Blevins and her first husband, George Y. Thomson, Jr.
Born in Philadelphia, she was the daughter of the late Robert T. and Miriam Townsend Warburton Metz.
Bunny enjoyed old movies, traveling and spending time with her grandchildren.
She is survived by one daughter whom she resided with, Kimberly L. Thomson Conner (Frank M.) of Oxford; one son, Robert S. Thomson of Ohio; two granddaughters, April R. Dawson and Andrea T. Dawson; and one brother, George W. Metz of Newtown Square, Pa.
She was preceded in death by two sons, George Y. Thomson, III and Paul James Thomson.
A graveside service was held on Nov. 10 at Valley Forge Memorial Gardens in King of Prussia, Pa.
Arrangements are being handled by the Edward L. Collins, Jr. Funeral Home, Inc. in Oxford. Online condolences may be made at www.elcollinsfuneralhome.com.
H. Wayne Dishman
Herbert Wayne Dishman passed away while surrounded by his family at his home in Oxford on Nov. 8, 2023. He was 67.
He was the husband of Leah J. Dishman, with whom he shared 45 years of marriage. Born in Jefferson, North Carolina, he was a son of the late Guy Dishman and Tina Eldreth Dishman of King of Prussia.
Herbert graduated from Avon Grove School District. He was very proud to have served the country in the U.S. Navy during the end of the Vietnam conflict from 1974 to 1978. He was stationed in Alaska, Guam, Philippines, and California. Throughout his life, when able, he gladly donated to several veteran organizations. He was also very proud of his son and daughter-in-law, who served our country in Iraq and Afghanistan.
He was the maintenance supervisor at Avon Grove School District for most of his career, retiring in 2014. He loved God and regularly attended services at New Beginning Baptist Church.
He enjoyed fishing on just about any body of water that had fish. He adored his family and lived for family dinners and get-togethers.
In addition to his wife and mother, he is survived by one son, Dennis Dishman (Samantha) of Oxford, four sisters, Sandy Tyson (Bob) of Kennett Square, Sharon Agron (Juan) of Avondale, Becky Trachtman (Dave) of King of Prussia, and Vickie Snyder (Bob) of Kennett Square, and one brother, Randy Dishman of Kennett Square.
Also surviving are four grandchildren, Brandon, Serenity, Aiden, and Mason, and one great- granddaughter, Ashley Dishman.
In addition to his father, he was predeceased by his brother, Larry Dishman.
You are invited to visit with Herbert’s family and friends from 10 to 11 a.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 15 at New Beginning Baptist Church, 301 Black Barren Rd, Peach Bottom, PA 17563. His funeral service will follow at 11 a.m.
Interment will be in Little Britain Presbyterian Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions in his memory may be made to his Family Support Fund, https://www.tmcfunding.com/funds/h-wayne-dishman/8766.
Arrangements are being handled by Matthew J. Grieco of Grieco Funeral Home & Crematory, Inc. of Kennett Square (484-734-8100).
To view his online obituary, please visit www.griecofunerals.com.
Andrew David Sumner
Andrew David Sumner, age 68, of Kennett Square, passed away on Nov. 8, 2023 at his residence. Dave was the husband of Cheryl Salmons Sumner, with whom he shared 21 years of marriage.
Born in Lancaster, Pa., he was the son of the late Guy T. Sumner and the late Doris R. Sumner.
Dave served his country in the U.S. Army.
He was an automotive salesman at D’Ambrosio Chrysler Dodge Jeep in Kennett Square for many years. He retired in 2015.
He enjoyed hunting, fishing, boating, basketball, swimming, tennis, golf, going to the beach, and being with his family and friends. He was a big lover of dogs and will be missed by his dogs, Coco and Shelby.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by one son, David Eric Sumner, and his wife Brandy of Oxford, one daughter, Alexandra Jones of Landenberg, one brother, Eric G. Sumner of St. Louis, MO, and two sisters, Cynthia Kerns of Martinsburg, WV and Andrea Bove of Oxford.
He is also survived by two grandchildren, and his step-children, Hope O’Brien of Pottstown, Pa., Daniel O’Brien, III of Avondale, Brandi O’Brien of Oxford, and Nicole Farmer of Coatesville.
A service was held on Nov. 14 at the Oxford Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, a donation may be made to Wounded Warriors Project, P.O. Box 758516, Topeka, KS 66675.
To view his online tribute and to share a memory with his family, please visit www.kuzoandfoulkfh.com.