Herbert O. Wardell, Jr. age 87, of Newark, Delaware passed away unexpectedly on May 13, 2023 while dealing with a recent illness and is now with his heavenly Father. He was born in Wilmington, Delaware on 7 July,1935 to the late Herbert O. Wardell and Lillian K. Wardell (Toulson). He spent 64 years married to his adorable soul mate, Mabel M. Wardell (Carter). He graduated from William Penn High School in 1954 and attended the University of Delaware afterward in pursuit of an Associate’s Degree in Science Engineering. He received his Bachelor’s Degree in Science in 1989 from the University of New York while working full time at the University of Delaware and while a member of the Delaware Army National Guard.
He worked fulltime at the University of Delaware for 40 years, the first half working as a Senior Research Technician in the Electrical Engineering Department’s National Electrical Manufacturing Association. The latter half of his University of Delaware career was spent working for the Institute of Energy Conversion as a Research Technician and Materials & Equipment Developer for the exploration and development of unique solar cell technologies. He retired in 1998. He enlisted with the Delaware Army National Guard on 7 January, 1953 while a junior in high school and that career spanned through 24 September 1992, reaching the rank of Colonel O-6 and retired with the honorary rank of Brigadier General. He held various enlisted ranks and was appointed as a Warrant Officer WO1, and later attended Officer Candidate School in 1962 and was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in Battery D 736 Anti-Aircraft Artillery Battalion.
He later served as Commander of Battery D and Company C of the 198th Signal Battalion. He continued his military service holding many command and staff positions until retirement. He and his wife enjoyed attending Bluegrass Music events in Delaware, New Jersey, and Granite Hill Campground in Gettysburg, PA. They also traveled to numerous sites in the USA over a period of 6 years (70,000 miles) crossing through many states in their travel trailer.
While working his jobs with the University of Delaware and the Delaware Army National Guard, he was the proprietor of his family run part time TV repair business for 20 years. His wife and children were heavily involved in the business and repair activities. He was a member of the Toughkenamon Presbyterian Church in Toughkenamon, PA. He was married to his wife in this church on March 7, 1959. He served for many years as an Elder on various positions and participated in a number of activities in the church.
During his military service he received many medals and commendations. Notably, multiple Army Commendation Medals, the National Defense Medal, the Legion of Merit Medal, the Medal of Mercury from Fort Gordan Signal Command Communication Excellence award, and The Meritorious Service Medal (Third Award). He received many Letters of Commendation from senior Active Military and National Guard commanders for the meritorious service in operational development and control over military activities he established and supervised.
He is survived by his wife, Mabel M. Wardell (Carter), sister, Joan C. Napolski (Wardell), sons, Ronald and Robert Wardell (Chi Wei), grandchildren, Hannah and Nicholas Wardell, aunt, Jean Touslon (Hudzik), several nieces, nephews, and cousins. He leaves behind cherished memories of his wife and soul mate. He was devoted to her, his children, and family members. His love for his family and dogs was enormous. He always found the good in the many people he met. He was a communicator in the best sense, always working to keep active relationships. He was a man of many talents learned from his strong educational background and family training as a youth. He could fix or repair anything, including part making not available anymore, and was a great analyst of repair procedures.
A viewing will be held on Sunday June 11, 2023 from 2:00-4:00 PM at the McCrery and Harra Funeral Home, 3710 Kirkwood Highway, Wilmington, DE 19808. A second viewing will be held on Monday, June 12, 2023 from 9:30-10:30 AM followed by a memorial service held at 10:30 AM at the McCrery and Harra Funeral Home. A burial ceremony will be held at 1:00 PM at the Delaware Veterans Military Cemetery Chapel in Bear, DE with military honors following the ceremony.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations in memory of Herb be made to the Toughkenamon Presbyterian Church, P.O. Box 369, Toughkenamon, PA 19374 or the Delaware National Guard Heritage Committee, First Regiment Road, Wilmington, DE 19808-2191.
