Ernest S. Spence III

Ernest S. Spence III, age 90, of Townsend, DE, passed away on Tuesday, August 25, 2026.

Born in Wilmington, DE on February 19, 1936, he was a son of the late Ernest S. and Ann (Delecki) Spence, Jr. Ernest was a graduate of William Penn High School. He then enlisted in the United States Navy where he proudly served his country. Ernest began his career with the Delaware State Police as a trooper on March 1, 1957, graduating from the 18th Recruit Class. During his career he was stationed at Troop 1, Penny Hill; Troop 2, State Road; Troop 3, Dover and Troop 9, Odessa. Ernest served in the Traffic, Criminal Divisions and was Officer in Charge of the Auto Theft Unit when he retired. Lieutenant Ernest Spence 172 retired on July 1, 1977 and was a life member of the Association of Retired Delaware State Police.

In addition to his parents, Ernest was preceded in death by his wife, Winifred “Winnie” (Manlove) Spence; sons, Benjamin H. Spence and David W. Spence; and grandson, Ernest S. Spence V. He is survived by his son, Ernest S. Spence IV; brothers, Gary Spence (Sue) and Terry Spence (Nancy); grandchildren, Haden Spence, River Spence, Jesse Spence, R.A. Spence, Heather Reinhart, and Christopher W. Spence; and care provider and dear friend, Sherry Yeager.

A visitation for family and friends will be held from 10 am until 11 am on Monday, September 14, 2026, at Spicer-Mullikin Funeral Home, 275 East Main Street, Middletown, DE, where a funeral service will begin at 11 am. Interment will follow in Old Drawyers Cemetery, 2839 DuPont Parkway, Middletown, DE.