Dr. R. WAYNE CARMEAN

Wayne Carmean passed away suddenly in his home in Fenwick Island on the morning of May 1st.  Born in Wilmington, Delaware, he grew up in nearby Montchanin with his parents, Raymond and Mabel Jones Carmean, who instilled in him the importance of hard work and education as well as a deep commitment to "God, Country, and Family." These became the basis for Wayne's future directions in life.

Two early events also remained important to Wayne throughout the years: The First of these was a memory of kneeling with his parents and sister Anne as they prayed and listened to Gabriel Heatter's World War II radio broadcasts about the world-wide threat that endangered the lives of his older brothers, Virgil and James, and brother-in-law Joe Farren who served in the military. The other event Wayne often recalled was how unhappy he was when he first left home to start school in the former Alexis I. DuPont system. A concerned teacher predicted that he would probably "never complete his education."  Of course, he eventually overcame his separation anxiety, but ironically Wayne remained in one classroom or another until he was almost eighty, sharing his love of knowledge and the learning process.

For as long as he could remember, Wayne always enjoyed being involved with athletics, both as an active participant and fan: During his senior year at AI Dupont, Wayne was selected to be both captain for the "Tiger" football team and a player on Delaware's 1957 North (Blue) All Star team. Recruited by several colleges to play football, Wayne chose to become a Blue Hen at the University of Delaware where he was a member of the 1959 Delaware football team that was the first to win the Lambert Cup under the direction of legendary Coaches Davy Nelson and Tubby Raymond, both of whom Wayne idolized.  In the off-season he enjoyed playing lacrosse, a sport that all three grandsons played decades later.

As much as he appreciated classes, sports and social life at Delaware, whenever he was asked about the "most significant event" during those years, Wayne would state with a big smile that occurred when he met the great love of his life, Vicki. Within a few short months, she became his Sigma Phi Epsilon Sweetheart and would remain at his side during 62 years of marriage.

Following graduation in 1961, with a Bachelor of Science degree from the U. of D. and an ROTC commission as a Second Lieutenant, Wayne proudly served for several years on active duty in Germany and later in the Army Reserves. While stationed in Germany, Wayne and Vicki toured Europe, including a memorable trip into East Germany and the Russian-guarded Berlin Wall.

After Wayne's active-duty discharge, a short stint as a substitute at the former Gunning Bedford High School convinced him to stay on as a US History teacher as well as a coach for football and basketball. Wayne's proudest moment as a coach came when his determined Gunning Bedford players won the 1968 Flight B Basketball Championship. During summers, Wayne also worked as a lifeguard and swimming instructor for children with mobility challenges.

Somehow between sports seasons and summers, Wayne earned a Master's Degree and Master's Plus 30 at the University of Delaware. In 1970, Wayne made the difficult decision to leave classroom instruction to accept a position as an Assistant Principal and then Principal at Seaford High School. While living in Seaford, Wayne and Vicki bought property in Fenwick Island, Delaware, where they spent ensuing years building a house by the bay.

Shortly after he earned his Doctor of Education degree in 1980, Wayne moved his family to Cecil County, Maryland, where he served as the Assistant Superintendent of Instruction and Acting Superintendent until retirement in 2000. In addition, Wayne continued teaching graduate level School Law and Principalship classes for both Loyola University in Maryland and Wilmington University until he decided to retire again at age 79.

When Wayne and his wife moved full time to Fenwick in 2001, he involved himself with new adventures that included remodeling the old beach house, playing senior golf, traveling, watching Duke basketball, and spending time with the grandchildren. For eight decades he continued as a loyal fan of both the Phillies and Eagles teams regardless of the respective season outcomes.

It was during these years Wayne also became involved with the 38th Republican Club, serving as its Co-chair and President as well as a Delegate to the State Convention. As a former military officer and history teacher, he remained passionate about supporting good government and leadership.

Although Wayne loved his experiences in education and as a community volunteer, he was foremost a devoted husband, father and grandfather who always made "family" a priority. "Papa" was happiest being in the middle of family gatherings: His grandchildren have fond memories of his voice cheering them on from the sidelines or better yet laughing about some family adventure.

Wayne is survived by his wife, Vicki, as well as his three children and their spouses plus grandchildren:  Natalie and Steve Magdeburger of Fenwick Island; Kristin and Troy Heiner of Florida; Mark and Erika Carmean of Maryland. The grandchildren include Dr. Jessica Magdeburger Trang and Daniel Trang; David and Sara Magdeburger; Kayleigh Heiner and Matthew Heiner; Paige Carmean and Nicholas Carmean.   His "adopted" AFS daughter, Lien DeLaet lives in Belgium.

The Memorial Service is scheduled for May 17 at St. Matthews By the Sea Methodist Church with Visitation beginning at 10 AM and the Service at 11 AM, which will be followed by a reception at the Church. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Wayne's honor to St. Matthews By the Sea Methodist Church, 1000 Coastal Highway, Fenwick Island, DE 19944.