Melborne Carriker's Obituary
Melbourne R. "Mel" Carriker, PH.D, age 92, of Lewes, DE, died Sunday, February 25, 2007, at Beebe Medical Center in Lewes. Mr. Carriker was born on February 25, 1915 in Santa Marta, Columbia, South America where his family owned a coffee plantation. He was the son of the late Melbourne Armstrong Carriker, Jr. and Myrtle Carmelita (Flye) Carriker. He developed an interest in zoological research at an early age. He graduated with honors from Rutgers University, and obtained his Doctorate from the University of Wisconsin. Mr. Carriker had served as an assistant professor of Zoology at Rutgers University and as an associate professor of Zoology at the University of North Carolina. He had served as the Director of the Systematics Ecology Program, Marine Biology Labratory of Woods Hole, MA. In 1973, he was appointed Professor of Marine Studies at the College of Marine Studies, University of Delaware, Lewes, DE.
Mr. Carriker was the world's foremost expert on the Oyster Drill, a shell-penetrating muricid gastropod. He also did ecological studies of the hard clam. He was the author of three books: "Vista Nieve", "Taming of the Oyster", and "The Bird Call of the Rio Beni" and over 100 scientific publications. Mel also had served as the official historian and a past president for the National Shell Fisheries Association and had served as past president of the Delaware Chapter of Partners of the Americas.
Mr. Carriker was a veteran of the U.S. Navy, serving as a LT.jg during WWII on a PT boat.
He and his wife "Scottie" have lived in the Lewes-Rehoboth area for 33 years, moving here in 1973 from Falmouth, MA. They are members of the Westminster Presbyterian Church in Rehoboth Beach.
Mr. Carricker is survived by his wife of 63 years Meriel R. "Scottie" (McAllister) Carriker; Four Sons: Eric Carriker & wife Lynn of Natick, Mass; Bruce Carriker of Seaford, DE; Neal Carriker & wife Maureen of Gloucester, Mass; and Robert Carriker of Hudson, Mass; One Sister: Alvita Larimer of Stone Mountain, GA; One Brother, Howard Carriker of Phoenix, AZ; 6 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren.
Memorial Services will be held at Westminster Presbyterian Church, King Charles & Laurel Streets, Rehoboth Beach, DE at 1:00 P.M. Saturday March 10, 2007 with Rev. Dr. Frank S. Deming officiating. Interment will be private. Memorial contributions are suggested to the College of Marine Studies, University of Delaware, 700 Pilottown Road, Lewes, DE 19958 , designated for the benefit of graduate students.
Arrangements by Parsell Funeral Homes & Crematorium, Atkins-Lodge Chapel, Lewes, DE.
Send on-line condolences to: [email protected].
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