Robert C. “Bob” Macklem

Robert C. “Bob” Macklem, age 84, of Wilmington, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on Thursday, April 21, 2022.

Born in Chester, PA, on December 12, 1937, he was a son of the late, Carl S. Macklem and Lillian E. (Renshaw) Bailey. Bob graduated from Chester High School in 1955. Following graduation, he enlisted in the United States Army where he proudly served 6 years. Before enlisting he found the love of his life, the former Mary Ellen LeGates, marrying in 1963. Together they raised their beautiful daughter, Kelli. He made his career at Atlantic Aviation where he dedicated more than 30 years, before retiring in 1992.

As an avid outdoorsman, he took pleasure in hunting and fishing. In his leisure time he enjoyed traveling with his wife and friends. Active in his community, he was a member of Brandywine #33 Masonic Lodge, Shriners-Nur Temple and past Commander of Legion of Honor. He loved helping others. A fun-loving individual, he was loved by many. He was always known to share a good joke. Bob will always be remembered as a devoted husband, loving father and a dear friend to many.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Bonnie Blythe. Bob is survived by his beloved wife of 58 years, Mary Ellen Macklem; loving daughter, Kelli L. Janowski (Raymond); siblings, William Macklem (Mary Jane), Carol McCloskey (James), Ernie Bailey (Patti), brother-in-law, Joe Blythe and sister-in-law’s, Dorothy Black and Dolores Blevins.

A committal service for friends and family will be held at 2 pm on Thursday, May 12, 2022, in Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 2465 Chesapeake City Road, Bear, DE.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Bob’s memory may be made to the Shriners Hospitals for Children, Attn: Processing Center, PO Box 947765, Atlanta, GA 30394 or by clicking here.