J. Allen Metheny Sr.'s Obituary
J. Allen Metheny, Sr., of Hartly, DE, died peacefully in his sleep Sunday May 29, 2022, at the age of 77. Allen was born January 14, 1945, to John L. and Kathryn Metheny of Hartly, the oldest of 3 children. He was educated by the Capital School District, graduating from Dover High in 1963. He also received his Associates Degree from Goldey Beacom College.
Allen met the love of his life, Barbara, of Bowers Beach, when he was working at Dare’s Market in Little Heaven, while in High School. The two of them were married in 1965 and went on to raise two children, Jamie and Tara, and several grandchildren.
Allen was born to serve his community and country. He enlisted in the National Guard in 1969, at the height of the Vietnam War and served as an Assistant Chaplain. Allen worked for the State of Delaware, at the Auditor’s Office, as a Senior Supervisor for 31 years, retiring in September of 2000. He immediately started with Kent County Emergency Management the following Monday, serving as Assistant Director for over 8 years, finally retiring in 2009. After retirement, Allen and Barbara enjoyed traveling the country, attending many Fire Service events, or simply enjoying each other’s company. They also owned a beach house in Long Neck, DE, which they loved to spend time at and take the boat out in the Indian River Bay.
The second love of his life was the Volunteer Fire Service. Allen joined Hartly Vol. Fire Co. in 1962, and held every major office within the company, including President, Fire Chief, and Ambulance Captain during his life. There were many late nights and early mornings, missed Sunday dinners, and time away from his beloved family, answering the fire siren or ambulance tones. Everyone knew not to block Allen’s car in the driveway during any family gathering, because if the fire siren rang, he would take whatever car was blocking him in to get to the firehouse. We would simply wait for him to get back!
Allen also served the Kent County Volunteer Fire Association, Kent County Fire Chiefs Assoc., Delaware Volunteer Fire Assoc., Delmarva Volunteer Fire Assoc., and the National Volunteer Fire Council. He held a multitude of offices within each of the different Associations, and was awarded Fire Fighter of the Year, by the DVFA in 1998. He was also elected to the DVFA “Hall of Fame”. Everyone in the Fire Service knew Allen to be a tough, yet fair man. He would stand up for what he thought was right, to better the community and was known to “ruffle a few feathers” along the way. But it was always for the betterment of our communities.
Allen is survived by his wife of 57 years, Barbara T. of Hartly. He is also survived by his son Jamie (Teresa) Metheny of Milton and daughter, Tara Lynn Wilbur of Hartly. His sisters, Linda (Jim) Nickerson and Kathy O’Neal , also of Hartly. Grandchildren Justin (July) Postlethwait, Jayme Metheny, Lane Metheny, Riley Wilbur, Bryce Wilbur, Taylor Wilbur and Thomas Wilbur, and special nephew, Christopher Legar. Also, survived by 2 great-grandchildren, Bella and Luke.
Funeral Services will be held at Trader Funeral Home in Dover on Monday, June 6th at 11 am, where friends may call 1 hour early at 10 am, followed by Graveside Services at Hartly Methodist Church. Friends and Family are invited to attend the bereavement service at the Marydel Vol. Fire Co., immediately following the graveside services. There will be a viewing for Allen at Trader Funeral Home on Sunday, June 5th from 2-4 pm. All are welcome to attend.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donating, in Allen’s name, to a volunteer fire company in your local community, or the Hartly Methodist Church. 85 Main St., Hartly, DE 19953. Letters of condolences may be sent to www.traderfh.com
What’s your fondest memory of J.?
What’s a lesson you learned from J.?
Share a story where J.'s kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with J. you’ll never forget.
How did J. make you smile?