Wayne Philip “Phil” Proud Sr., age 85, of New Castle, DE passed away suddenly on Monday, September 16, 2024.

Phil was born into a large farming family of 5 brothers and 6 sisters. In his younger years, he attended Commodore MacDonough and Delaware City High School, however, it wasn’t long before Phil made the easy decision to leave school and start his life long career as a farmer.

After spending some time working on his family’s farm, Phil joined the U.S. Army. While stationed in Germany, Phil was decorated with the medal of Good Conduct, as well as the Marksman and Sharp Shooter awards. Upon his return from the service, Phil married the love of his life Diana (Walker) in 1963.While residing for a short while in St. George’s, DE, Phil worked alongside Albert Crumpton as a mechanic. Soon thereafter, Phil joined his father-in-law Norman Walker (Florence) in New Castle, DE to help run the family’s dairy farm. With years of experience under his belt, Phil then started his own farming business which quickly became well known within the community as Proud Farms.

He was a member of the Delaware Farm Bureau and was awarded the New Castle County Farm Family of the Year award in 2008.

Phil was an incredibly hard-working man who loved nothing more than spending time on his farm. Whether he was working on machinery, hunting, or riding around in his John Deere Gator with his dogs; Phil was never more at ease than when he was home on the farm.

He could light up any room with his kind smile and warming presence. Phil will be deeply missed by his friends and family. His absence is profound.

He was predeceased by his mother and father Robert and Ruth (Little) Proud, his 5 brothers and 5 sisters, his grandson Matthew Ivey, and his furry friend Colt.

He is survived by his loving wife of 61 years Diana Proud, his sister Doris Alls (Fred), his children Wayne Proud Jr., Melissa Garvey (Matt), Chris Proud (Bill), his grandchildren Ryan Ivey, Mark Garvey, Morgan Rorabaugh (Jake), his great grandchildren Cooper and Charli Ivey, and his beloved furry friend Max.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 12:00 pm on Tuesday, September 24, 2024 at Beeson Funeral Home, 2053 Pulaski Highway, Newark, DE 19702. Visitation will be held from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm. Interment to follow.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a charity of your choice. To honor Phil’s memory, acts of kindness to your fellow neighbors, friends and family will always be remembered.