Earl McMullen - Spicer-Mullikin Funeral Homes & Crematory

Earl McMullen

We have lost a devoted husband, loving father, brother, proud Pop-Pop, and loyal friend. Earl McMullen, age 89, of Newark, Delaware, passed away on July 31st, 2025, surrounded by the love of his family.

Born and raised in Newark, Earl graduated from Newark High School in 1954 and went on to earn his Associate’s Degree in Accounting from Goldey-Beacom College. A natural businessman, Earl owned and managed several local real estate rentals over the years. He also served in the National Guard and gave back to his community as Treasurer of the Christiana Cemetery Association for ten years.

Earl shared 63 wonderful years of marriage with his beloved wife, Joan, who was truly his partner in every adventure. Together they raised two sons, Brian (Amanda) and Drew (Tracy), and later celebrated the joy of four grandchildren—Brianna, Tyler, Savannah, and Maddie—who adored their Pop Pop and brought out his softest side. Earl was preceded in death by his sister Shirley Moore (Will) and survived by his sister Barbara Veasey (Roy).

In his younger years, Earl was a true outdoorsman, happiest when snowmobiling, hunting, boating, or traveling the country in the family RV. Later in life, he found joy in simpler routines—tending to his garden, planning his next meal, and spending time with friends and family. Earl had a spirited way about him—he could keep you on your toes and wasn’t shy about doing things his own way—but always with a twinkle in his eye and a heart full of love for those around him.

Earl will be remembered for his caring heart, his love of nature, and his gift for making any gathering brighter—sometimes in ways only he could. His family will forever cherish the lessons he left behind: to work hard, savor the little things, and never underestimate the joy in a life fully lived.

A visitation for family and friends will be held from 10 am until 11 am on Wednesday, August 6, 2025, at Spicer-Mullikin Funeral Home, 121 West Park Place, Newark, DE, where a funeral service will begin at 11 am. Interment will follow in Head of Christiana Cemetery, 1104 West Church Road, Newark, DE.

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16 Condolences for Earl McMullen

  • Dear Joan, I am so sorry to read of Earl’s passing. We had many working years together. We also became friends with You and Him. Earl & I had many chats about the McMullen Family and the Kemether Family that lived on Farms across the road from each other. Actually Dennis’ Parents stood for Earl’s Parents when they got married. We always enjoyed catching up as to what your family was doing and our children and grandchildren. He will certainly be missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing him. Please call me if I can be of any help to you. Sorry I can’t attend the service, but my thoughts and prayers will be with you and the family. Love, Susan

  • Our heartfelt condolences and prayers for your entire family

  • Mr. McMullen, now a fond memory of childhood days gone by. Thank you for always making sure my sister and I made it home safely (to our house across the street!) after babysitting Brian and Drew. And for looking away when we enjoyed the most delicious grapes from your garden on hot summer days! May you rest in peace. Loving prayers to your family.

  • Hello Joan & the McMullin Family.
    Please accept our deepest condolences on the loss of a wonderful man. It was always a pleasure to see you both in “our neighborhood” cul-de-sac, setting up our folding chairs & watching our proud grandchildren at their baseball games. Earl, you will be truly missed. We will certainly miss the Howdy, neighbor upon our arrival.

  • Sending our love and deepest sympathy to you and your family.
    Robin and Bill Ralston

  • Our condolences to you and your family. Needless to say, if we were home we would certainly attend the funeral service.

  • Don and I are so sorry to hear about Earl. We enjoyed so many fun times together and know what a wonderful person he was. Loving prayers and condolences to you and your family. Love, Joyce and Don

  • Henry and I are praying for the Lord’s peace and comfort to be with your family as you grieve the passing of your husband Earl. Please accept our sincerest condolences. 😢🙏

  • I had the extreme pleasure of an hour-long conversation with Earl and his wife two days prior to his death. Having graduated from high school with Earl, the conversation was a stroll down memory lane and completely delightful. He shall be missed, but we know he is in a better place now.

  • Dear Joan and family. It is a sorrow for everyone when we lose someone like Earl. He was an energetic force in the life of his family and always ready for some fun. Joan, you and your family will have some sad days ahead, but there will be times when you can dry your eyes and smile when you remember the good times with Earl. You have many years of those memories and they will help sustain you.

  • My deepest condolences. Mr. McMullen was a wonderful man whom I’ve known since my birth in 1963. Many memories. Rest in peace. ❤️

  • Sending heartfelt sympathy and love over the loss of our dearest friend.

  • We are truly sorry for your loss our thoughts and prayers are with your family during this tough time. We are glad to have known Earl he was truly a great man

  • We will miss Earl’s lively personality. He was always a joy to talk to and always lit up the conversation at the table when we would have the “cousins”
    luncheon. Becky and I are out of town and cannot attend the service but our thoughts are with Joan. Rest in peace cousin Earl.

  • So sorry for your loss. We loved viewing all the wonderful memories you shared in the video. Your father with live on through all of you.💕

  • Dear Joan and family:
    We want to send our sincere condolences and many prayers to you all. We only met you about 5 years ago and truly appreciate the help and support Earl provided our family. We always looked forward to our visits with you both when we made it to Delaware. Thank you so very much for helping out. Earl always had kind words, a positive outlook and good updates for us (during our phone calls). We hope you find some comfort in the many memories you shared together.