Allen Chorman

Allen Chorman, age 80, passed away on February 9, 2026, at Beebe Hospital, following a courageous fight with several health issues. Born on January 4, 1946, Allen lived a life defined by perseverance, hard work, and an extraordinary love of flying.

Allen grew up on Route 1 near Red Mill Pond, the eldest son of David and Eldora Chorman, one of five children raised elbow to shoulder in a five-room house. He often described his childhood as an “Ozzie and Harriet family”—never having much money, but always having plenty of love. From an early age, Allen showed determination and responsibility. He was meant to graduate a year earlier; however, he spent the first two weeks of first grade climbing out the classroom window each day to run home, unwilling to leave his younger brother, Ronnie, at home driving his tractor. This led to his parents holding Allen back a year to keep the brothers in the same grade and Ronnie off of Allen’s tractor.

From a young age, Allen knew he belonged in the sky. As a boy, he would watch legendary ag pilots Joe Hudson and Buddy Lewis fly overhead in yellow Stearman biplanes. He and his brother would run around the yard making engine noises, clutching yellow squashes in their hands, pretending to fly. Allen later said he didn’t just learn how to fly—he really knew how to fly.

At just 10 years old, Allen began working for Joe Hudson, whom he credited as a pilot, farmer, entrepreneur, mentor, and second father. He believed deeply in hard work and was known for never taking a real vacation in his life. His dedication paid off early: he made his first solo flight at 16-years-old on September 25, 1963, and credits Jimmy Vreeland, his flight instructor and lifelong friend, for his training. Unfortunately, Allen ran out of money before he was able to obtain his private pilot’s license, but Jimmy loaned him the money to finish, saying that Allen was an extremely gifted pilot from the start. Allen obtained his commercial license by 18 and was spraying soon after.

Allen graduated from Lewes High School in 1965 and immediately began flying full-time for Joe Hudson, serving as his chief pilot for 20 years until 1987. He earned a reputation for precision, skill, and reliability throughout the agricultural aviation community.

Building on that legacy, Allen purchased Joseph R. Hudson Aerial Spraying from Joe Hudson in 1987, renaming it Allen Chorman, Inc., a company that became well known across the Delmarva Peninsula. He was deeply respected not only as a pilot, but also by the farmers he worked for, who trusted him, and relied on his commitment to their livelihoods. Allen took his work so personally that it was never “just business” for him, he put everything he had into every field he sprayed.

In 1974, Allen married Mary Ann Wagamon. Together, they welcomed a son, Jeff, in 1979, who proudly followed in his father’s aviation footsteps, continuing the family legacy in the skies. Jeff now owns and operates Allen Chorman & Son, Inc. and Chorman Airport.

Allen’s dedication extended well beyond the cockpit. He served on the Delaware Pesticide Advisory Board from 1996 to 2023 and on the Delaware Aviation Advisory Board from 2007 to 2022, lending his experience and steady leadership to the advancement of agriculture and aviation throughout the state.

In recognition of his service and professionalism, Allen received numerous honors, including several pilot safety awards from the Northeast Agricultural Aviation Association, the National Agricultural Aviation Association Outstanding Service Award (1996), the Sussex County Outstanding Service to Agriculture Award (2010), and the Delaware Outstanding Service to Agriculture Award. In 2013, he was inducted into the Delaware Aviation Hall of Fame, a distinction reflecting a lifetime of excellence and commitment.

In later years, Allen became an avid Case tractor collector, eventually obtaining all of the 30 series Case tractors and restoring them to a better-than-new condition. This led to several close relationships with the people that helped rebuild his tractors.

Allen Chorman is survived by his wife, Mary Ann Chorman of 51 years; his son, Jeff Chorman (Molly); his grandchildren, Lucy and Lainey; his siblings, Ronnie Chorman (Janice), Wayne Chorman (Janet), Dennis Chorman (Debbie), and Bonnie Coulbourne (Bob); his sister-in-law, Sallie Jones; and many nieces and nephews.

A viewing will be held from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. on Saturday, February 28, at Crossroad Church, 20684 State Forest Road, Georgetown, with services beginning at 12:00 p.m. There will be a flyover at the conclusion of the funeral service at Crossroad Church, weather permitting.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Allen’s name to the National Agricultural Aviation Research & Education Foundation (NAAREF), 1440 Duke Street, Alexandria, VA 22314, the Delaware Aviation Hall of Fame, P.O. Box 4303, Greenville, DE 19807-0303, or White’s Chapel, 15373 Coastal Highway, Milton, DE 19968.

Allen will be remembered as a master pilot, a tireless worker, a devoted husband, father, and grandfather, and a man whose perseverance shaped everything he touched. His legacy lives on in the fields he flew, the farmers he served, the people he mentored, and the family he loved.