Donald Thomas Creek Sr.

Donald Thomas Creek Sr, beloved son, father, husband, and Pop, passed through the veil and into glory on the morning of May 13th, 2024. He is survived by his devoted wife of 63 years, Elaine Hagar Creek, whom he loved and adored, two brothers and two sisters- in- law, Harold Creek of Elkton, MD and David Lee Creek (Beth) of Lavalle, MD, and Barbara Creek of Spartansburg, SC. He has four sons, Donald Creek Jr and Caroline (Carrie), Steven Creek and Tracy, Kevin Creek and Kimberly (Kim), and Brian Creek and Dyonne (Dee). From those four sons he has twenty-three grandchildren whom he cherished: Christina, Andrew, Daniel, Matthew (Jackie), Wesley (Cierra), Elisabeth (Chris), Steven Jr, Joshua (Jessica), Alaina (Joe), Christopher (Emerald), Briona, Mikayla, Samara, Stevie (Devin), and Brittany (Jon). From those twenty-three grandchildren he has twenty-one great grandchildren who brought him a ton of joy: Ryan, Wyatt, Austin, Theodore, Gracie, Declan, Easton, Georgia, Frankie, Mylah, Everly, Raegan, Joshua Jr, Roslynn, James, Jacob, Asher, Wilbur, Sincere, Kai, and a new baby boy due in July. He was preceded in death by his parents, Homer Elwood Creek and Faye Smith Creek, of Little Orleans MD, his brother William Creek of Spartansburg, SC, and a sister-in-law, Lucille Creek, of Elkton, MD. Born July 15th, 1941, Don’s life began in Piney Plains, MD, with his brothers Bill, Harold, and David Lee. He attended elementary school locally and graduated from Flintstone High School. After graduation, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. Don completed his enlistment with the rank of corporal and served his country in active duty for four years. His deep patriotism, grit and dedication to the Corp was something that stayed with him for the remainder of his life. Don truly believed - once a marine, always a marine. Prior to his enlistment, he and Elaine began dating after her father was invited to speak as a guest preacher at Don’s church….and the rest, well that is Creek history! They were married in 1961, and Don lovingly built their first home right next door to his parent’s home. In 1974, Don accepted a new job in Delaware and moved the family to New Castle. He worked 30 years in the plastics industry as a foreman. The company he worked for changed names several times, but he continued to stay devotedly employed and retired in 2006. Upon arriving in Delaware, Don and Elaine became founding members of the Red Lion Evangelical Church in Bear, DE and were active for many years with the youth. He helped establish the boys brigade program (similar to the Boy Scouts) with his brother Harold. With a strong emphasis on a Christian worldview, character, and morale, Don cultivated deep relationships with his own sons as well as the young men of the community. With a household of all boys, there were many meaningful and memorable camping trips, hunting trips, fishing and eeling trips during those years! In his personal life, he enjoyed collecting guns and teaching his own boys to hunt deer, turkey, geese, and ducks, reload and make their own ammunition, and firearm safety, all while he instilled a true love for the outdoors. There were many hunting trips back to the “homestead” in Maryland, and as each of the boys married and had children of their own, it became an annual Creek family tradition traveling to Poppie and Grandma’s house every fall. Don enjoyed keeping a nice yard and he especially loved when the entire family would come for weekend cook outs, playing hours of horseshoes, and crazy card games. Elaine opened her home daycare, and he would often assist her with loving and caring for those children as if they were his own. They affectionately called him “Mr. Don,” and he enjoyed the constant energy of little ones in their home. Later in his years, he developed a talent for woodworking. He and Elaine often entered craft shows, and for years, many of the grandchildren would help out in the woodshed with painting and sanding, even helping to sell the items at the shows. Numerous hard life decisions and deep conversations took place in Pop’s woodshed. It was a special place for all who spent time with him there for sure! And finally, we must properly recognize that he was a huge joke player. If he loved you, he would tease you, and if he teased you, he loved you. It was for sure his very own love language. His huge bear hugs and contagious smile will forever be etched into our hearts. Don will be deeply missed and leaves behind a family who loved him fiercely, all in their many different ways. His legacy of faithfulness to Jesus will continue to live on in his growing family. He was a loyal follower of God, and we rest assured knowing he is in Heaven for all of eternity. For us this is not a goodbye but rather a see ya real soon Pop! “Semper Fidelis Our Marine”. A visitation will be held Thursday, May 23, 2024, from 10:30-11:30 AM at Strano & Feeley Family Funeral Home, 635 Churchmans Rd., Newark, DE 19702 followed by a celebration of Don’s life at 11;30 AM. Burial will be private at the Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Don’s memory to The Wounded Warriors Project at www.woundedwarriorsproject.org. For directions or to send an online condolence, visit www.stranofeeley.com.

Donald Thomas Creek Sr.

July 15, 1941 - May 13, 2024

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