Linwood Clayton LeCates, Sr., 92, of Delmar, died Sunday, October 16, 2011 at Delmar Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. He was born April 10, 1919 in Delmar, the son of the late Harper Clayton LeCates and Martha Pearl Nichols LeCates. Mr. LeCates retired as a Master Sergeant with the US Army, where he proudly served 22 years. During his tenure with the Army he saw action in World War II and Korea. He also worked for many years as a radar tech for RCA in Wallop's Island. He was one of the founding members and lifetime member of the Delmar VFW Post 8276. During the time he and his family lived in El Paso, Texas, he played an active leadership role with the Boy Scouts. "Pop," as he was known by many, loved crossword puzzles, all animals, hunting and fishing and was an avid reader. He was also a huge fan of John Wayne movies. He is survived by 4 children, Linwood Clayton LeCates, Jr. (Norman Cormier) of Fitchburg, Massachusetts, John G. LeCates (Beverly) of Delmar, Keith E. LeCates (Debra Furst) of Easton and Mary Faith Hopper (Bill) of Delmar; 3 grandchildren, Scott Thoroughgood (Cindy) of Faucett, Missouri, Tonya Lemon (Joseph) of Hebron and Joshua Miller of Salisbury; and a great-grandson, James Lemon. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Mary Ellis LeCates, who passed in 1990, and a grandson, James Hopper, who passed in 1999. A graveside funeral service will be held on Friday, October 21, 2011 at 2:00 p.m. at St. Stephen's Cemetery in Delmar. The Reverend Jay Hurley will officiate. Mr. LeCates' family would like to give special thanks to the nurses and staff of Delmar Nursing and Rehabilitation Center for the kindness and care given to "Pop." In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in his memory to Delmar Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, c/o Resident Morale Fund, 101 Delaware Avenue, Delmar, DE 19940. Arrangements are in the care of Short Funeral Home in Delmar. Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.shortfh.com.