Allen Chorman, a pioneer in crop dusting in the area, passed away at Beebe Hospital on February 9, after a courageous fight with several health issues. Chorman was 80.
Born on January 4, 1946, Allen lived a life defined by perseverance, hard work and an extraordinary love of flying. He grew up near Red Mill Pond on Route 1, the oldest son of David and Eldora Chorman. He was one of five children raised elbow to shoulder in a five-room house. He often described his childhood as an “Ozzie and Harriet family.” Although they never had much money, they had plenty of love.
From an early age, Allen showed determination and responsibility. He was meant to graduate a year earlier than he did, but he spent the first two weeks of first grade climbing out the classroom window each day to run home as he didn’t want 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 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 hardwork and was known for never taking a real vacation in his life. His dedication paid off early: Allen made his first solo flight at 16-years-old on September 25, 1963, and credits Jimmy Vreeland, his flight instructor and longtime friend, for his training. Unfortunately, Allen ran out of money before he was able to obtain his private pilot’s license. 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 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 footsteps, continuing the family legacy in the skies. Jeff now owns and operates Allen Chorman & Son, Inc. and Chorman Airport.
“This afternoon, my father, Allen Chorman, the patriarch of our family, passed away. He taught me everything I know and was my best friend. He came from very humble beginnings but worked hard and made something of himself, giving me a great opportunity in life,” Jeff posted on social media. “He loved being a part of the agricultural community and proudly flew 40 seasons of ag flying, accruing over 30,000 accident-free hours. He was not without his flaws but truly tried to help people that he thought needed helping. He is no longer suffering, and that is what is helping me the most right now. Dad, you left me big shoes to fill! I love you and am proud to be your son.”
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, Allen 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.
There was an outpouring of sympathy on social media.
“So sorry to hear this! I enjoyed every minute working for him,” Rebecca Huey commented. “Was just laughing about his little pedal plane yesterday! He had more stories than anyone!!! Sorry for your loss he’ll be missed dearly.”
Joanne Guilfoil posted that she was one of the people in the area that Allen helped. Terry Humphrey hoped Allen had blue skies and an escort of angels on his way to heaven.
“My Dad got to know your dad from being his UPS man many, many years ago. At some point, he offered to take him & Mom up for a flight around our house. I was probably around 10-12ish years old or so & I went too. I remember Jeff being around 5 or 6ish & sitting in his dad’s lap flying the plane! It was the first time I had been in an airplane,” Bob Mitchell posted. “My Dad has been gone for15 years now – and sometimes even now, when the right memory hits, tears will still cloud my eyes. If you love much, you will grieve much. That’s a privilege not everyone has. So, as hard as it may be, trust me – you wouldn’t want it to be easier…”
Marilyn Perrigan, who was a caregiver to Allen before he passed, wrote a beautiful tribute to him on social media that was shared by Jeff.
“When I see “what’s on your mind” I usually am ready with a response because I come here with intention. This morning, I want to share my thoughts/bare my soul. It’s not that I don’t have anything in mind but rather where to begin. The start of a new year has, for the past few years been hard for us. Around the holidays through to spring, we have had one thing after the other hit yearly. Our health issues…especially for Wayne’s heart and we lost our precious Zoey. Slim finances and reckonings from poor decisions we’ve made. They’ve all been rough and during the darkest, coldest time of the year,” she wrote. “The destruction of family ties rather from conflict, loss of loved ones or just the weight of life creating separation is magnified while the world is supposed to be giving thanks and celebrating the birth of our Lord.”
Marilyn continued, wondering why things could not be different and commenting that it just “didn’t seem fair,” but that she had recently been blessed ot meet a new friend from what had only been an acquaintance before.
“Mr. Allen Chorman was my friend. I had the privilege of spending quite a bit of time with him since this past October. He wasn’t who I had thought he was. He was brilliant and excited for life. He loved to tell stories and oh did I love to hear them. He was a silver-tongued fox but could slice you with his words if he chose to,” Marilyn continued. “He loved to be asked about his life and experiences and painted incredible scenes in my mind as I followed along on the adventures he would describe to me. We had a kindred spirit in that anxiety and fear were a big part of who we were/are. I am so amazed that he took his fear….of flight!!!!…..and used it to become the very best at his craft! A true living legend!”
Marilyn continued that Allen always put safety first.
“I remember watching him crop dust here and in Chincoteague as a child. What a thrill to see and to meet him later in life and realize he was a staple for so many of us and a part of our childhood imaginations….was wonderful. In this man I found an admiration I didn’t see coming. The past few weeks I hadn’t seen him,” Marilyn wrote. “There’s no way to say how I regret not seeing him one more time. To enter through the doorway again as he sang “Hello Darlin” to which I’d respond, “nice to see you” and together…”it’s been a long time” would be lovely. So this and some other pretty rough stuff have been happening and we need God! He’s here. He’s helping and loving and supporting but it’s a hard time.:
Marilyn asked for prayers for the Chorman family and everyone who was feeling his loss as deeply as she was.
“! I am so thankful that I got to know Allen. I learned so much from him. He was a natural born cheerleader which I love. He could sing smooth as silk. Oh and did yall know he only had vision in one eye? His story is incredible! He built what he built with grit and hard work,” she concluded. “He adored his son and what an incredible legacy to leave your family and future generations. I am honored to have known him for even a short time. He touched my life in ways that I will carry with me forever. Ty my friend. Rest in peace…God speed until we meet again!”:
Allen is survived by his wife of 51 years, Mary Ann Chorman; his son, Jeff Chorman and his wife, Molly; his grandchildren, Lucy and Lainey; his siblings, Ronnie Chorman and his wife, Janice; Wayne Chorman and his wife, Janet; Dennis Chorman and his wife, Debbie; Bonnie Coulbourne and her husband, Bob; his sister-in-law, Sallie Jones and many nieces and nephews.
A viewing will be held Saturday, February 28 from 10 AM to Noon at Crossroad Church, 20684 State Forest Road, Georgetown, with services beginning at 12 Noon. There will be a flyover at the conclusion of the funeral service at Crossroad Church, weather permitting.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the National Agricultural Aviation & Research Education Foundation (NAAREF), 1440 Duke Street, Alexandria, VA 22314, the Delaware Aviation Hall of Fame, PO Box 4303, Greenville DE 19807-0303 or White’s Chapel, 15373 Coastal Highway, Milton DE 19966.
“Allen will be remembered as a master pilot, tireless worker, devoted husband, father and grandfather, and a man whose perseverance shaped everything he touched,” his obituary read. “His legacy lives on in the fields he flew, the farmers he served, the people he mentored and the family he loved.”
