Walter Hagan Smith
BERLIN — Walter “Walt” Hagan Smith, 91, passed away Sept. 8, 2015 at his residence in Catonsville.
Walter H. Smith
He was born March 5, 1924 to John Walter and Elizabeth Hagan Smith and was raised outside of Salisbury in Allen. One of the highlights of his youth were the many summer months he spent working at his grandparent’s hotel, The Maryland Inn, located on the Boardwalk of Ocean City. In 1942, he began studying electrical engineering but was called to duty with the US Army in 1943 where he proudly served with the 1262nd Engineer Combat Battalion in England, France, Belgium and Germany during WWII.
After being honorably discharged in 1946, Walt resumed studies at University of Maryland and graduated in 1950 with a bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering. After graduating, he joined the Eastern Shore Public Service Company in Salisbury as an Assistant Distribution Engineer. With an opportunity to further advance his career, Walt moved to Southern Maryland in 1953 where he began his career with Southern Maryland Electric Cooperative (SMECO). He married the love of his life, Norma Jean Timmons, on Nov. 26, 1953 and enjoyed 58 years of marriage until her passing in 2011.
In addition to his accomplished career at SMECO, Walt was very active in both professional and civic organizations. Some of the organizations in which he was actively involved include IEEE, a registered Professional Engineer, Director of the United Way of Charles County, member and past president of the Waldorf Lions Club, member and Past Master of St. Columba Masonic Lodge, member of Scottish Rite, Boumi Temple Shrine, and St. Paul’s Episcopal Church and St. James Parish. He was also a Director of the Maryland Chamber of Commerce, the Charles County Chamber of Commerce.
After 36 years of service wherein the cooperative grew into one of the largest rural electric cooperatives in the United States, Walt retired from SMECO in 1989 as the Executive Vice President. After retirement, Walt and Norma spent 15 years entertaining family and many friends at their residences in Heritage Harbor, Annapolis and Ocean City, where they enjoyed beautiful sunsets, the daily parade of boats returning from a day of fishing and walking.
Walt was a generous and loving man to his family and friends and was a great role model to many. He was appreciated for his gentle manner and sense of humor.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Norma Jean Smith, and a sister Frances Anne Coulbourne. Walt is survived by children Jacqueline Hagan Smith and husband Jerry Hook of Royal Oak, Md., John Hagan Smith of Parkton, Md., and Kathy Smith Drohat and husband Greg of Edgewater, Md. Also surviving are grandchildren Michael and Brooke Hagan Smith of Parkton, Md. and Grant, Amanda and Jack Drohat of Edgewater, Md.
A memorial service and celebration of Walt’s life will be held Monday, Nov. 23, 2015. Additional details to follow. Memorial contributions may be sent to St. James’ Parish, 5757 Solomons Island Road, Lothian, Md. 20711.
Arrangements by Rausch Funeral Home, 8325 Mount Harmony Lane, Owings, Md.
Larry Vincent Widgeon
BERLIN — Larry Vincent Widgeon, age 74, passed away on Tuesday Sept. 15, 2015 at his home, surrounded by his loving family.
Larry V. Widgeon
A native of Berlin, he was the son of the late John Vincent and Hilda Mae (Pusey) Widgeon.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Judi, of 52 years, and his sisters, Anita Kay Dennis and Joyce Widgeon.
Larry is survived by his children, Melissa A. Widgeon of Berlin, Mark A. Widgeon and his wife Belle of Ocean Pines and L. Shawn Widgeon of Willards. He was an adored grandfather to Amanda, Jake, Jarrett, Joey and Katelyn. Larry is survived by three brothers, David, John Gilbert and Robert and their wives as well as numerous nieces and nephews and a host of longtime friends.
He was a master carpenter, owner of Widgeon Builders and specialized in historical renovations in his community. Larry enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1958 and was stationed in Newfoundland. When he came home, he married the love of his life. He was a charter member of Berlin Lion’s Club and Friendship United Methodist Church. He enjoyed watching NASCAR, westerns and fishing with his grandchildren and spending time with friends and family down to the river house. Larry will be greatly missed.
A joint graveside service will be held for both Larry and Judi at Evergreen Cemetery in Berlin on Monday, Sept. 21, 2015 at 2 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to Coastal Hospice P.O. Box 1733 Salisbury, Md. 21802 or Worcester County Humane Society, P.O. Box 48, Berlin, Md. 21811.
Condolences may be sent by visiting www.hastingsfuneralhome.net