Robert Allen Edgerton Jr., local legend, coach

It is with profound sorrow that we announce the passing of Robert Allen "Bob" Edgerton Jr., affectionately known as "Coach" by generations of students and "Granddaddy" by his beloved grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was fondly known as "Buggie" to his kinfolk in North Carolina. Bob passed away peacefully surrounded by loved ones Friday, March 7, 2025, at his residence in Lewes.

Born in Bayboro, N.C., Bob was one of five cherished children born to Grace (Dowdy) Edgerton and Robert Allen Edgerton Sr. In 1952, Bob was in the first graduating class at Pamlico County High School, where he distinguished himself as a talented baseball player. The talents of Bob and his teammates helped them to win the Coastal Plain Conference, the Regional Title, the Eastern NC Championship, and finally advancing them to the State Championship Series.

Bob answered the call to service, joining the U.S. Army in 1953 and serving 24 months, 14 of those spent in South Korea.

Bob utilized his GI Bill to send his younger brother, Jack, and himself to East Carolina University. Bob earned his bachelor's and master's degrees in health and physical education administration.

Before going into teaching, Bob worked in Baltimore at the Domino's Sugar Plant and as an agriculture inspector, which eventually brought him to Greenwood.

In what would become a defining moment in his life in 1959, H.O. Brittingham offered Bob a teaching position in physical education and coaching at Milton High School. What was initially agreed to as a one-year commitment evolved into a distinguished 31-year career until his retirement in 1990.

A beautiful teacher in Milton caught Bob’s eye and his heart. He married Anna Hayden in 1960. Bob and Anna’s four children were raised in the only home Bob ever owned, in the heart of Milton and within walking distance of the school. Anna passed suddenly and tragically in 1985. Bob displayed remarkable strength and devotion as a single parent raising their four children.

As a coach, Bob's accomplishments were truly legendary across multiple sports. He had success coaching baseball, track and field, and cross country. Bob had a remarkable and memorable coaching career on the basketball court. His teams dominated the region, securing five Western Championships and three Conference Championships in 1962, '66, and '67. The 1966 season stands as a testament to his coaching prowess, with his teams claiming undefeated Henlopen Championships in both basketball (17-0) and baseball (11-0). His basketball program reached the Henlopen Championship five out of eight years before the consolidation of three local high schools into Cape Henlopen High School, where he coached for an additional year. Bob was the last surviving coach of four honored on the Legend Memorial at Legends Stadium at Cape Henlopen High School, a tribute to his enduring impact on local athletics.

Beyond his formal coaching duties, Bob remained an avid tennis player throughout his life, where he formed many lifelong friendships. He served as Cape Henlopen girls' assistant tennis coach. His commitment to community service was evident in the time he volunteered teaching tennis to underserved youth.

Bob's legacy extends far beyond championships and accolades. He shaped the lives of not only his large family but countless students and athletes, instilling in them the values of hard work, perseverance, and sportsmanship. His dedication to education and community service has left an indelible mark on the Milton and Cape Henlopen communities. His influence continues to resonate in the many lives of those he touched.

From the hardships of North Carolina farming, the foundation of Bob’s life was that of simple enjoyment in family, country living, community, and sports. Bob’s temperament was soft-spoken and observant yet remarkably strong-willed and wise. When his words came, they carried the truest of messages and with love, care, and fairness for all. He had a way of reaching each person as if they were all that mattered.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 25 years, Anna Hayden Edgerton; his sisters, Alma and Zola; and his brother, Jack. He is also preceded in death by his longtime love and companion of 29 years, Jean Lynch Downes.

Bob is survived by a brother, Dr. Reggie Edgerton of California. Bob’s children are Jim Edgerton, Lorraine Edgerton White, Maria Edgerton Reed (Beau) and Mike Edgerton (Karen Joines). His grandchildren are Brittany Ryan (Nico), Rianna Glassbrenner (Michael) and Hayden Edgerton. His great-grandchildren are Daniel Valora, Emily Ryan, and Lilyana, Levi, Hazel and Miles Glassbrenner.

He is also survived by seven “step” children, Laura Downes (Michael), Mickey Downes (Pru), Dara Downes Hearn (Jack), Natalie Downes Doney (John), Amy Downes Baker (Chuck), Molly Downes Foraker (Donnie), Katie Downes Walker (Geoff), and their children, grandchildren, and extended family.

He is survived by countless students, many of whom became close friends and continued to visit him up until his last days including Hobby Isaacs, Bud Hitchens, Bill Cordrey, Kurt Hudson, Richard Brown (Laura) and Kelly Pettyjohn.

Visitation with the family will be held from 3 to 4 p.m., Saturday, May 3, at the school where Bob spent so much of his professional career, now called Milton Elementary School, 512 Federal St., in Milton, with a Celebration of Life ceremony beginning at 4 p.m. Come prepared to share a personal story if you wish.

Instead of flowers, donations will be accepted at the service for a memorial for Bob that has not yet been decided upon.

Arrangements are in the care of Short Funeral Services, Milton.

Online condolences and memories can be shared with the family at shortfuneralservicesandcremation.com.