Robert J. Voshell

On Friday, March 1, 2024, Robert J. “Bob” Voshell passed away peacefully after a long illness. We, who loved him, will miss him terribly. He was a loving husband, a wonderful dad and grandpop, and a trusted friend to many. His greatest joy came from being with his grandsons.

Bob was born on May 16, 1933 in Felton, DE to the late Harold Voshell and Lillian Carrow Voshell Roach.

Bob attended school in Felton and graduated as Salutatorian in 1951. He was selected for Boys State in 1950 and 51 where he served as a high school senator.

After graduation Bob was employed by the State Highway Department, cutting grass and then advancing to survey team. Soon he was transferred to the Division of Motor Vehicles to work as an inspector. He was drafted in 1953, during the Korean War and spent 2 years in the Army Infantry, Heavy Mortar 8^th Infantry Division. 

Upon discharge from the army, Bob returned to the DMV. In 1973, he was appointed director by Governor Sherman Tribbitt. Bob retired in 1991 after 40 years with the state. In 1992, Senator Ruth Ann Minner decided to give up her senate seat and run for Lt. Governor. She convinced Bob to run for state senate. He won the election and was later appointed as senate majority leader by his peers.

Bob’s calling in life was service to church and community. He spent much of his time raising funds to present to the Boys and Girls Club in Milford. He served on the Board there from 1999-2012. He loved being a member of the Milford Lions Club beginning in 1967 and was awarded the Melvin Jones Fellow Award. Bob was an active member of Avenue United Methodist Church since 1964 where he served on many committees such as President of Board of Trustees and President of the Methodist Men. He always had a smile  and a handshake for everyone at church. His faith was authentic and it showed in his actions and good deeds. Bob served on the board of Milford Memorial Hospital and became chairman in 2003. He also served on the Board of Advisors for Bayhealth Medical Center in 2010. People’s Place was also dear to Bob’s heart and he was on the Board of Directors from 1999-2006, being chairman in 2003. Bob also donated his time and invested his heart into the following organizations: Delaware River and Bay, Delaware Costal Heritage, Relay for Life, Milford Museum, Carlisle and Houston Fire Companies, American Legion Post 3, Delaware Safety Council, Delaware Nature Society, Delaware Hospice, Delaware Supreme Court Board of Professional Responsibility, and the Blue Gold All Star Game. Bob’s motto was “get involved, sometimes prayer brings miracles; other times it brings helping hands”.

Bob was married to Joyce Argo Voshell for 65 years. After retirement, they travelled in the USA and also abroad. Bob decided that home in Milford, surrounded by family and friends was the best spot of all.

Bob’s hobbies were collecting political memorabilia, sports cards relating to Delaware athletes, and doing genealogy on his family. He loved playing baseball and played on a local team late into his 40’s. He also enjoyed playing tennis. Bob never missed his daughter’s field hockey games, nor his grandson’s soccer/football/baseball games.

Bob is survived by his wife Joyce, his daughter Lisa Yerkes (Scott), daughter Laura McKenna (Kelly), his grandsons Robert (Connor), Palmer (Emily), Nicholas (Charlotte), and Joseph, and a granddaughter Hannah (Billy). He also has a brother Honey (Loey), nephews Ron Voshell (Bonnie), Wayne Voshell, Lester Blades (MaryJean), Paul Voshell (Elena), Dan Voshell (Stacy), Cris Voshell, and a niece Julie Voshell.

Bob was predeceased by his father Harold and step mother Elizabeth Voshell, his mother Lillian and stepfather Ben Roach, a sister, Louise Blades, a brother Harold Voshell, sister in law Charlotte Gingerich, nieces Donna Lee Blades and Cheryl Hodgman, and a nephew Darrell Voshell.

Bob was involved with many projects for his church and community, but said, “A person’s accomplishments are not measured by awards, but by the legacy we leave in kindness.”

Words cannot convey our thanks to the wonderful staff at the Delaware Veteran’s Home for their loving care. Also, thanks to the Delaware Hospice for their comfort and peace for Bob.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Delaware Veteran’s Home, 100 Delaware Veteran’s Blvd. or to Avenue UMC, 20 N Church St.

A memorial service for Bob will be held on Saturday, March 9^th, at 12 noon, at Avenue United Methodist Church in Milford, DE. Visitation will also be at Avenue from 9 am until noon.  To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Robert J. Voshell, please visit our flower store.