Kalas Funeral Home & Crematory

Raymond Eugene “Ray” Chalkley, 83, a 3-year resident of Edgewater and previously a 28-year resident of Bethesda, MD, passed away on July 29, 2017.  Born on February 13, 1934, in Washington, DC to the late Henry and Ruby Chalkley, Ray received a bachelor’s degree from Guilford College and a master’s degree from the University of Maryland.  After serving in the U.S. Army, Ray pursued a career in public education, serving as an assistant principal, basketball coach and athletic director at the Springbrook, Rockville and Thomas S. Wootton High Schools in Montgomery County. He enjoyed philosophy, politics, fine art, books, playing tennis and cooking.
	Ray is survived by his sons, Neal (Nancy) Chalkley of Davidsonville and Phil (Marilyn) Chalkley of Frederick, MD; a brother Edward (Jan) Chalkley of Northport, FL; three granddaughters, Kelsey, Annie and Lizzie Chalkley; his former wives, Margaret Chalkley and Jacqueline Callaway; and his special companion, Pam Meador.
	Friends are invited to celebrate Ray’s life with his family on Saturday, August 19 from 1 p.m. until his memorial service begins at 2 p.m. at the Thomas S. Wootton High School, 2100 Wootton Parkway, Rockville, MD.  Burial will be private.
	In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Cancer Society, 7500 Greenway Center Drive, Ste. 300, Greenbelt, MD 20770 or Hospice of the Chesapeake, 90 Ritchie Hwy., Pasadena, MD 21122.

Condolences and tributes may be left by clicking on the link to the left of this page.


Family and friends are invited to celebrate William's life on Thursday, August 3 from 4 to 6pm at the George P. Kalas Funeral Home, 2973 Solomons Island Road, Edgewater, MD.  Online condolences and tributes may be made by using the link on this page.  

All services for Bonnie will be private. Please take a moment and leave a condolence or light a candle for her family by using the link on the left.

John A. Droter, 83, of Fort Washington, MD, peacefully passed away on July 25, 2017 after a year-long struggle with cancer. Born on Feb. 4, 1934 in McKees Rocks, PA, he was son of the late John and Anna (Hrebenak) Droter and was preceded in death by his younger brother, James. He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Hildegard (Rosenberger) Droter; children, Dr. John R. of Annapolis; Dr. Joseph E. and wife, Anne Wallis of Richmond; Linda D. and husband Jim Bailey of Edgewater; Jim and wife, Jennifer of Lititz, PA; grandchildren Caitlin Bailey and Joseph W., Leah, Elizabeth and Anna Droter; and nephew, James Lautenschlager.

A self-made man, Dr. Droter attended the University of Pittsburgh, graduating first in his School of Dentistry class, then served in the U.S. Air Force. His private dental practice pioneered in-office sedation dentistry. He embraced every opportunity to fish, play poker, golf, play guitar, pick hard crabs and ski with family and friends; his legendary devotion to skiing continued to age 78! A devoted family patriarch, “Poppy” was an enthusiastic storyteller with a contagious smile and an easy laugh. He said his greatest achievements were his family and dental practice.

A memorial mass will be held at St. Columba Catholic Church, 7800 Livingston Rd., Oxon Hill, MD on Saturday, August 12 at 1pm with a reception immediately following at the Droter family home.  Memorial donations may be made to the Prostate Cancer Foundation or Anderson Orthopaedic Research Institute. Inurnment will be at Arlington National Cemetery at a later date. 

All arrangements for Natalie are private.  Online condolences and tributes may be made by using the link on this page.  

Doris Lorine Rooker, 97, a 16-year resident of Gambrills and previously of Millersville, MD, passed away on July 24, 2017.  Born on August 18, 1920 in Greenbrier, AR, Doris was the last survivor of eight children born to the late Steven and Lona Spears.  Doris pursued a vocation as wife and mother, and a career as manager for Sears, Roebuck and Company.  She loved to play bridge and other card games but her passion was her family.  In addition to her parents, brothers and sisters, Doris was preceded in death by her loving husband of 39 years, George Lee Rooker and a grandson, Robert Landis.  She is survived by two sons, George Rooker of Millersville, MD and Joseph (Pam) Landis of Poolesville, MD; one daughter, Jean (Jerry) Chappell of Laurel, MD; eight grandchildren, Tammy and Joseph (Lily) Landis, Debbie (Bobby) Brooks, Jennifer (Joe) Forseth, Danielle (Karl Adler), Courtney (Dan Hadley), Gregory (Michelle) and Justin Chappell (Ben Spangenberg); 14 great-grandchildren and 5 great-great-grandchildren.  Friends are invited to celebrate Doris’ life with her family from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, July 27 at the George P. Kalas Funeral Home, 2973 Solomons Island Road, Edgewater, MD where a memorial service will be held at 10 a.m. on Friday, July 28.  Interment immediately following at the Washington National Cemetery in Suitland, MD.  
“No tears.  I lived a full life, saw everything I wanted to see and got everything I wanted.  I loved all my children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren.  All of them were very good to me.”
Online condolences and tributes may be offered by visiting the link on this page.


Family and friends are invited to celebrate Elisabeth's life on Thursday, July 27, 2017 from 5-8pm at the George P. Kalas Funeral Home, 2973 Solomons Island Road, Edgewater, MD 21037. Interment will be private.

 Please take a moment and leave a condolence or light a candle for the family by using the link to the left.

On Sunday, July 23, 2017; the beloved husband of Idelle Leavy; father of Karen Leavy-Munk; father-in-law of Jonathan Munk; brother of Tommy and Edward Leavy; grandfather of Evan and Kaylyn Munk. He is also survived by nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.   Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at St. Columba Catholic Church, 7800 Livingston Rd., Oxon Hill, MD on Friday, July 28, 2017 at 10:30 a.m. Interment St. Mary's Catholic Church of Piscataway Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Autism Speaks at autismspeaks.org

On Sunday, July 23, 2017, resident of District Heights, MD for over 45 years. Beloved father of Kimberly Anne Wildoner, and her husband, Rolland Wildoner; loving grandfather of James Theodore Russell, III, Christopher William Russell, and Jennifer Anne’Marie Russell; cherished great-grandfather of Kaleigh Ann Russell; loving son of Gladys Majors and the late Lawrence Phillip Majors. Also survived by his dear companion, Karan Smith. 

Billy worked as an Equipment Operator for Prince Georges County Public Works & Transportation for over 30 years until his retirement. He was also a member of many local organizations including The Knights of Columbus, V.F.W., the American Legion, and the Moose Club. He loved cooking and spending time with his friends and family.

Billy's visitation will be held on Thursday, July 27, 2017 from 12:00 p.m. until his celebration of life service at 1:00 p.m. at the GEORGE P. KALAS FUNERAL HOME, 6160 Oxon Hill Rd., Oxon Hill, MD 20745. Interment private.

Dorothy E. Lingebach 99, of Annapolis, MD, passed away at Winchester Medical Center in Virginia on Sunday, July 23, 2017, following complications due to a stroke.

Born in Washington, September 15, 1917.  She was the daughter of the late Dorothy E. and John V. Shea. Her friends called her Dottie.  The family called her MeMom.  In her earlier years, she enjoyed joining her husband on trips to collect small mammal specimens for the Smithsonian Institution and life on their farm near Cheverly, MD; later, visits to the Amish Country in Pennsylvania with girl friends to seek out antiques, the shipwreck dances at the Epping Forest Clubhouse, crabbing and fishing in the summer on the Severn River and living in Epping Forest.  In later years, she enjoyed cooking and spending time gardening her West Virginia farm.  Her family looked forward to her delicious family dinners with apple and lemon meringue pies and chocolate chip cookies. 

She retired from the Anne Arundel County Public School System.  

She is survived by her loving son, John “Jack” Lingebach, and daughter, Patricia Hofmann. She adored her three grandchildren Sheriff Raymond Gery "Gary" Hofmann III of Queen Anne’s County (Wife Olga) Centreville, MD, Constance "Connie" Jean McClaeb (Husband Tim) Annapolis, MD, and John "Dennis" Hofmann Centreville, MD; Proud grandmother of Amanda, Ava and Ayden McClaeb; Bryan, Emily and Skylar Hofmann; Joey and Laura Clark; and Baby Girl Hofmann.

A celebration of Life will take place on Tuesday, August 1 at the George P. Kalas Funeral Home, 2973 Solomons Island Road, Edgewater, MD from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m, where a funeral service will be held on Wednesday, August 2 at 11:00 a.m. Burial immediately following at Hillcrest Memorial Cemetery, Annapolis, MD.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The Summit School (Students with learning differences), 664 East Central Avenue, Edgewater MD, 21037.

On Saturday, July 22, 2017; the beloved husband of the late Maxine S. Richardson; father of Susan Peterson, Glenna Barner, Mark (Vinita) Richardson and the late Patti Lomax; brother of Louis Richardson, Romaine Fleming, Judith Henry and Sharon Lucas. He is also survived by seven grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren, one great-great grandchild, his son in law Earl Lomax, many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Relatives and friends are invited to Eugene's Celebration of Life on Saturday, August 5, 2017 from 10 a.m. until time of the memorial service at 11 a.m. at the GEORGE P. KALAS FUNERAL HOME, 6160 Oxon Hill Rd., Oxon Hill, MD  Interment private. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Hemophilia Association of Maryland.

Ronald Lawrence Schaefer, a 30-year resident of Edgewater, MD and previously of Bethesda, MD, died at his home on Friday, July 21, 2017, following a 16-month battle with pancreatic cancer.  He was 77.

Born September 29, 1939, in Bronx, NY, to the late Emil and Jessica Schaefer, Ronnie was a self-employed professional photographer who specialized in wedding photography.  He was a longtime member of the Professional Photographers of America, Inc. and the Professional Photographers Assn. of MD Inc.  Upon retiring he pursued his lifelong passion of fishing and was a member of the MSSA.  

Ronnie is survived by his wife, of 55 years, Madelyn Schaefer; three daughters, Karen Merewitz and her husband Carl of Huntingtown MD, Dianne Gurdak and her husband Mike of Vienna, VA and Wendy Todd and her husband Mickey of Homer, AK; a sister, Sandra Sager and eight grandchildren,  Andrew, Brian and Jason Merewitz, Julia, Jared, Jackson and Joshua Gurdak and Rylyn Todd.  Ronnie will be remembered as the best husband, father, grandfather, and friend to many people.

A Remembrance gathering for Ronald will be held at the Yellowfin Steak & Fish House, 2840 Solomons Island Rd., Edgewater, MD from 11 am to 2 pm on Saturday, August 5. In lieu of flowers, gifts in memory of Ronald Schaefer may be directed to support Dr. Dung Le’s pancreatic cancer research at the Johns Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center. Make checks payable to Johns Hopkins University, with a memo indicating the designation and that the gift is in memory of Ronald Schaefer, to the Kimmel Cancer Ctr., Development Office, PO Box 17029, Baltimore, MD  21297 (https://secure.jhu.edu/form/kimmel). Donations may also be made to Maryland Sports Saltwater Fisherman's Association's scholarship fund, c/o Mr. Pete Abbott, 219 Overture Way Centreville, MD 21617 (make checks payable to MSSA). Online condolences and tributes may be made by using the link on this page.  

Thomas Owens Dixon, a 12-year resident of Edgewater, MD and previously of Lanham, MD, died on Friday, July 21, 2017, at his home in Edgewater, MD following a three year battle with prostate cancer.  He was 94.
Born May 11, 1923, in Roanoke, VA, to the late Paul A. and Christiana Mariah Kinsey Dixon, Tom earned his Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from Virginia Polytechnic Institute in 1947 and a Master’s degree in Public Administration from American University. During World War II, Tom served in the US Army 203rd  Anti-Aircraft Artillery (Automatic Weapons Battalion)  using his engineering and math skills to direct fire on enemy aircraft, V2 rockets and later in the war, enemy positions. Tom trained in the U.S. and Scotland and participated in combat in France, Belgium, Holland and Germany.  His battalion was among the U.S. combat forces that met the Russian forces at the Elbe River near the conclusion of the conflict. From 1947 to 1955, Tom worked at the Naval Research Laboratory, specializing in precision measurements of underwater sound instrumentation, where he made the first deep-water underwater sound propagation measurements between submarines and surface ships. In 1955, he moved to the National Security Agency, where he remained until 1989, specializing in the design of HF radio equipment, HF antennas, and field testing of experimental equipment, mostly overseas.  After retiring from the government, he designed large computer-controlled antenna switching systems that were used worldwide.  While consulting for Aiken Advanced Systems, he was responsible for the development of two patents for signal distribution systems technologies. Tom was also one of the principal founders of Utica Systems, which became Digital Receiver Technology (DRT), where he served on the board of directors until its acquisition by Boeing Corporation.  Tom was a member of Lanham United Methodist Church for 50 years. He was four times the president of the Potomac Chapter of the Maryland Society of Professional Engineers, and in 2009 was elected an organization Fellow.  He was also a member of the American Legion and the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW).  He enjoyed computers, woodworking, gardening, model railroading, boating, and RV camping.
Tom was preceded in death by his wife, of six years, Eva Mach Dixon; his first wife, of 53 years, Mary Merchent Dixon; a son, James E. Dixon; and four siblings, John Paul Dixon, Joseph Dixon, Barbara Dixon Ely Embree and Gladys Ann Dixon Keeney.
He is survived  by his companion of five years, Kathryn Tauber; three children, Thomas O. Dixon, Jr. and his wife Brenda of Lothian, MD, Ellen Dixon-Tulloch and her husband Michael of Hillsborough, NC and Judy Dixon of Severn, MD; five grandchildren: Morgan E. Dixon of Seattle, WA, Emily E. Dixon Danforth and her husband Ben of Bethesda, MD, James D. Windsor of Severn, MD, Melissa Windsor Diamond and her husband Brian of Newport News, VA and Luke O. Dixon of Lothian, MD; and 2.5 great-grandchildren.
Friends may call at the George P. Kalas Funeral Home, 2973 Solomons Island Road, Edgewater, MD on Wednesday, July 26 from 10 am until a funeral service begins at 11 am.  Interment will be at Cedar Hill Cemetery, Suitland, MD.  In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in Tom’s memory to Chesapeake Bay Foundation, Attn: Membership Department, 6 Herndon Avenue, Annapolis, MD  21403 or online at www.cbf.org.  An online guestbook is available by visiting the link on this page.

Thomas Edward Carter, "Tommy/Pop," of Edgewater, MD, died at his home on Friday, July 21, 2017.  He was 70.

Born November 22, 1946, in Washington, D.C., to the late John and June Carter, he was employed as a master electrician with Cox Electric, Inc.  Tommy enjoyed classic cars, collecting model trains and Washington Nationals baseball.

He is survived by his children, Thomas E. Carter, Jr., Lisa Carter, Russell Carter, Michael Carter, Cris Carter and Vikki Nichols; his siblings, John Carter, Jr., Carol Ann, Roberta, Susan, Mary Jean and Peggy; and his grandchildren, Bligh, Mason, Michael A., Mia, London and Carys Carter and Alannah Pettit.

Friends may call at the George P. Kalas Funeral Home, 2973 Solomons Island Road, Edgewater, MD on Wednesday, July 26 from 5 to 8 pm, where a funeral service will be held on Thursday, July 27 at 11 am.  Interment Hillcrest Memorial Cemetery.


Mary M. Crow, 90, died peacefully in her sleep on Wednesday, July 19, 2017 at Baywoods of Annapolis where she was a resident with her husband, Fred, since 2013. Mary was born and raised in the Boston suburb of Medford, MA as the daughter of the late Francis and Esther Morrison along with her older brother, Francis and younger sister, Patricia.  She had a wonderful childhood characterized by frequent trips to Cape Cod, which developed her life-long love of the water.  Mary attended Medford High School where she used to proudly proclaim she was the “M” in Medford on the school’s cheerleading squad.  She graduated from Tufts University in 1948 with a BA in Psychology and was a member of Sigma Kappa sorority. She was a summer exchange student at the University of Paris at the Sorbonne and completed graduate work at Boston University School of Education. Mary became an elementary school teacher in the Boston area and was then later employed with Eastern Airlines in New York City. On December 27, 1952 she married Fred Crow, a World War II vet, Cornell graduate, and newly minted US Air Force fighter pilot. This was the beginning of a wonderful life together. As a typical military family, Fred and Mary travelled the world.  They were stationed in numerous locations including, Bitburg, Germany, Myrtle Beach, SC, Las Vegas, NV, Clovis, NM, Fayetteville, NC, Leavenworth, KS, Tampa, FL, Hampton, VA, Alexandria, VA and Victorville, CA. Along the way they were blessed with four children, Cathy, Rick, Jeff, and Pat.  With her husband often deployed for long periods of time and in perilous situations such as the Berlin Crisis, Cuban Missile Crisis, and Vietnam War, Mary steadfastly raised her family of four often by herself. Mary’s biggest challenge came on Easter Sunday in 1967.  Mary was informed that Fred was shot down by North Vietnamese anti-aircraft missiles while on a combat mission over the Republic of North Vietnam.  Mary, a devout Catholic with an unwavering faith in Christ remained strong for her family and for six long years maintained her conviction that her husband would come home one day. Mary was a champion for the humane treatment and release of POWs during the Viet Nam war and was a founding member of the National League of Families, an organization dedicated to that cause.  Through her work with the National League of Families she organized petitions to draw U.S. government attention to the prisoners’ plight. This activity included making the POWs a central issue at the Paris Peace talks aimed at ending the Vietnam War.  Mary was justly rewarded, when coincidentally, again on Easter Sunday, her husband was released in 1973 and returned home at the end of the war. Mary led an active and giving life including the time her husband was gone.  She was an American Red Cross Water Safety Instructor, a lecturer at her church parish, and a top producer as a real estate agent in the Tidewater Virginia area. Upon Fred’s return from Vietnam, the couple were stationed in Northern Virginia and Victorville, CA before returning to Hampton, VA to retire.  They resided in Williamsburg, VA for ten years before moving to Annapolis, MD. Mary had a passion for travel, especially extended family vacations. She often remarked, “We need to go on another family cruise.”  Mary loved her vacation home in Nags Head, NC, walking, swimming, and in later years her Sudoku puzzles, red wine, and chocolates.  Most of all Mary loved life and her family, always providing them with wisdom, humor, positive attitude, and boundless love. Mary is survived by her husband, Col. Frederick A. Crow, Jr. of Annapolis, MD; her three sons, Frederick A. (Charlotte) Crow, III of Davidsonville, MD, Jeffrey F. (Joan) Crow of Moseley, VA, and C. Patrick (Madrienne) Crow of Stuart, FL; her seven grandchildren, Courtney Allen, Christopher Crone, Caroline, Mattie, Rachel, Sean, and Sarah Crow, and two great-grandchildren, London Allen and Christopher Jacob Crone.  Mary was preceded in death by her cherished daughter, Cathryn C. Gilmore. Friends are invited to celebrate Mary's life from 6 to 8 pm on Monday, July 24 at the George P. Kalas Funeral Home, 2973 Solomons Island Rd., Edgewater, MD. A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at 10:30 am on Tuesday, July 25 at St. Mary's Catholic Church, 109 Duke of Gloucester St., Annapolis, MD. Interment will be at a later date at Arlington National Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made, in Mary's name, to the Maryknoll Fathers and Brothers, the Catholic Church of the U.S. in Mission Overseas. Condolences may be made by clicking the tab on this page.

On Wednesday, July 19, 2017; the beloved wife of Myles J. Johnson; mother of Myles J. and Nia D. Johnson and Anike L. Boyette; sister of Virginia Irene Usher; grandmother of Kacey L. Boyette Savoy. A memorial service will be held at a later date. MD 20744. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The Dr. Doris McNeely Johnson Memorial Scholarship for Academic Excellence at https://www.gofundme.com/drdorisjohnsonmemorial.

Edward J. Tobin, "Ed", 88, a resident of Davidsonville, MD for seven years, died on Monday, July 17 in Annapolis, MD. Born on April 3, 1929 in Pottsville, PA, Ed served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. Ed was preceded in death by his wife of 65 years, Ella Bertie Tobin and his daughter, Cheryl Tobin. He is survived by his children, Carl Spraker of Mechanicsville, MD, Sean Tobin of Waldorf, MD, Edward Tobin of Las Vegas, NV, Teresa Shenk of Davidsonville, MD and Helena Glovier of Tracy's Landing, MD, 13 grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren and 3 great-great-grandchildren. Friends are invited to celebrate Ed's life on Thursday, July 20 from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 pm at the George P. Kalas Funeral Home, 2973 Solomons Island Rd., Edgewater, MD. A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered on Friday, July 21 at 11 am at Holy Family Catholic Church, 826 W. Central Ave., Davidsonville, MD. Interment will follow at George Washington Cemetery in Adelphi, MD. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the charity of your choice. Condolences may be made by clicking the tab on this page.

Born Feb. 06, 1947, passed after a short fight with an aggressive form of cancer. She is preceded in death by her beloved husband Arnold M. Simmons (Rocky) and her mother Margaret June Tarleton. She is survived by her 3 loving children, Lt. Comm. Thomas Simmons (Baily), David Simmons (Kelly), Kaytee Simmons and daughter-in-law Lauren. She also leaves her heart and soul in the form of her 6 grandchildren Emily, Griffon, Evan, Max, Aria and Jackson. Lynn also leaves behind her father James Mahlon Tarleton,Sr. as well as her siblings James Tarleton Jr. (Dorothy), Catherine (Judy) Sekely (John), Robert, Anne and Mark (Sharon). She has a host of nieces and nephews that she loved. Lynn was a loving and kind soul. She never wished anyone harm. She fought many illnesses and disabilities throughout her life. She passed knowing and loving God.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made in her name to the American Cancer Society.

Mabel L. Andrzejewski, died 17 July 2017 at Fairfield Nursing Home in Crownsville, Maryland. Born in Baltimore 16 August 1920 to Frederick and Ethel Newton. She was predeceased by her husband Martin Andrzejewski, Sr., her parents, sisters Louise King, Dorothy Desaulniers, Gloria Newton and brother Frederick Newton, Jr. She is survived by daughter Wendy and her husband George Cotter of Edgewater Maryland and son Martin and his wife Michele Andrzejewski of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Also by numerous nieces and nephews and their families. She resided in Glen Burnie for over 60 years before moving to Victoria Park in Edgewater, to Atria Manresa in Annapolis and finally to Fairfield. She was a wonderful wife and mother and enjoyed taking care of her family. Loved by all she was one of a kind. She liked going on road trips, doing jigsaw puzzles and search-a-words.
 
Family and friends are invited to celebrate Mabel's Life on Sunday, July 30 from 2pm to 4pm and from 6pm to 8pm at the  George P. Kalas Funeral Home 2973 Solomon's Island Rd, Edgewater, Md.A graveside service will be held on Monday, July 31 at 11am at Glen Haven Memorial Cemetery in Glen Burnie. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Heartland Hospice, 4 East Rolling Crossroads, #307, Baltimore, Maryland 21228.

Charles Henry Orme, "Chilly,"  a four year resident of Murrells Inlet,  SC and previously of Friendship, MD died on Saturday, July 15, 2017.  He was 67.

Born August 23, 1949, in Bethesda MD to the late Helen and Robert Orme, he received his Bachelor of Science degree from Frostburg University.  Chilly was a teacher and coach in Anne Arundel County, as well as a Marina operator for 25 years.  He coached wrestling, was a die hard Redskins and Nationals fan and civil war enthusiast.  Later in life, he enjoyed the company of his companion, his black lab, Deacon.

Chilly was preceded in death by his wife, of 22 years, Maryann Orme.

He is survived by his two children, Charles "Chilly" Orme of Asheville, NC and Katie Crawford of Myrtle Beach, SC; two brothers, Robert and John Orme; and a grandson, Maverick Crawford.

A service will be held on Thursday, July 20 at 10 am at the George P. Kalas Funeral Home, 2973 Solomons Island Road, Edgewater, MD.  Interment immediately following at Lakemont Memorial Gardens, Davidsonville. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, 950-48th Ave N, Ste. 101, Myrtle Beach, SC 29577.  Online guestbook available by visiting the link on this page.

 

CDR Steve Pyles, USN (Ret) was born to the late Clarence Pyles, Sr. and Mary Long Brandon on July 31, 1948 in Milton, North Carolina.  Steve was raised on a farm with his siblings, so hard work was no stranger to him.  When he wasn’t on the farm or in school, he enjoyed attending Sunday school and gave his life to Christ at an early age and joined High Street Baptist Church in Milton, NC.  Steve graduated with honors from Mary M. Bethune High School in 1966. 

 

Steve went on to attend Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (also known as Virginia Tech) and while excelling academically, he also became one of six Charter members of Groove Phi Groove - an organization, during that time, that focused on integrating social, religious, and athletic phases of collegiate life for students of color.  Steve received his Bachelor of Science degree with a major in Physics and a minor in Mathematics in 1970. 

 

Upon receiving his degree Steve was commissioned as an officer in the United States Navy and went on several tours and held many positions.  During his time of service, he met LuFreda Williams while teaching in the Naval Science Unit at Savannah State College and went on to marry her on March 12, 1977 in Beaufort, SC.  From that union came four children, to whom he dedicated his life and protected.  Upon retiring from the Navy, Steve worked in the private sector for several years before starting his own tax and financial services business. 

 

In parallel with his professional career, Steve was very active in the community where he focused on local community development and advocating for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), taught business classes, was always present to support the many academic milestones and extra-curricular activities that involved his children, never missed a family function and logged nearly 50 miles per week running before he fell ill. 

 

Steve made his transition on Friday, July 14, 2017 at BridgePoint Hospital National Harbor in Washington, DC after a relentless fight.  He made sure to leave his mark as an exceptional leader, humble entrepreneur, devoted advocate for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, inspiring professor, and a loyal family man.   

 

He was preceded in death by his son Clarence and brothers Samuel Brandon Jr., Leroy Brandon, Harvey Pyles; and nephew Radford Von Brandon who was raised as his brother.  To continue on his legacy, Steve leaves his wife, LuFreda; his children, Stephanie, Steven (Lanuola) and Dinah; his grandchildren, Leah, Clare and Carl Joseph; his sisters Priscilla Crawford, Mary (Joseph) Whitehead and Betty (Winfred) Harris; his brothers Clarence (Odessa) Pyles Jr. and Lorenzo (Marie) Brandon; his  sister-in-laws Gladys Brandon; Jannie Williams; Shirley (Steve) Rogers; his aunts Dorothy Pyles, Gracie Harris, Jearline Manning, Lillian (Ray) Allen, Rev. Lorraine Long, Sarah Long and Delores Evans; his uncles Tommy Long, Edward Brandon and June Brandon; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

A graveside service with full military honors will be held on Friday, December 15, 2017 at 9 a.m. at Arlington National Cemetery. Please meet at the Administration Building at 8:15 a.m that morning with one's own transportation. 


July 21, 2017

Kettering Baptist Church Legacy Center

6909 Crain Highway Upper Marlboro, MD 20772



Viewing:  11 AM

Service: 12 PM



For cards or flowers, please send them to 901 Sero Estates Drive Fort Washington, MD 20744

Obituaries

Raymond Chalkley

William Stone

Bonnie Johnson

John Droter, DDS

Natalie Schneider

Dorsie Rooker

Elisabeth Leinemann

Kenny Leavy

William Majors

Dorothy Lingebach

Eugene Richardson

Ronald Schaefer

Thomas Dixon

Thomas Carter

Mary Crow

Rita Gibbons

Doris Johnson

Edward Tobin

Margaret Simmons

Hattie Rhodes

Mabel Andrzejewski

Judy Robinson

Charles Orme

Steve Pyles