Gerald Wayne “Butch” Lank passed away on October 17, 2026, at Bayhealth Sussex Campus. He was born on February 29, 1944, in Milford, Delaware, and remained a Delaware lifetime resident throughout his years.

Mr. Lank served his country in the United States Navy from 1962 to 1966. After his military service, he spent nearly his entire working life in automotive parts, a field that suited his steady nature and strong work ethic. He especially loved his time working for I.G. Burton in Milford, where he was employed for many years. Those who knew him also knew him as a kind and polite man, someone whose manner left a lasting impression. In his younger years, he enjoyed fishing, a pastime that brought him pleasure and time outdoors.

He was preceded in death by his father, Edward Lank; his mother, Retta Lane; and his wife, Marian “Pat” Lank, who died on September 22, 2020.

He is survived by his brother, David Lane, and sister-in-law, Linette Lane; his sister, Carolyn Lank; and his nieces, Valerie Lane, Natalie Lane, and Audrey Lane. He will be remembered with love by his family and by those who had the pleasure of knowing him.

Visitation will be held on October 25, 2026, from 11:30 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. at Berry-Short Funeral Home, 119 NW Front St, Milford, DE 19963. A graveside service will follow at 1:00 p.m. at Milford Community Cemetery, North Dupont Boulevard, Milford, DE 19963.

In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations to The National Kidney Foundation at https://support.kidney.org/. 

Online condolences may be sent to the family at https://www.shortfuneralservicesandcremation.com/. Arrangements are in the care of Berry-Short Funeral Home of Milford.