The Star Democrat

Diana E. Thomas, 81, of Cambridge passed away on Tuesday, April 23, 2024 at UMSMC at Easton. She was born in Cambridge on February 27, 1943 and was a daughter of the late Russell and Marguerite Abbott Insley. Mrs. Thomas graduated from Cambridge High School class of 1961. On October 13, 1961, she married Reginald Edwin Thomas, Jr. who passed away on November 2, 2002. She worked for George Todd Insurance Agency which later became Mullaney Insurance Company with 40 years of service. Mrs. Thomas enjoyed traveling, antiques and her cats. A special thank you to Dr. Stephen Hanna and his nurses and office staff for the care they provide to Mrs. Thomas. She is survived by a son Reginald E....

Rodney J. Medford, 61, of Preston passed away on Friday, April 19, 2024 at Talbot Hospice in Easton. He was born in East New Market on February 14, 1963 and was a son of the late Lester and Betty Kyger Medford. Mr. Medford graduated from North Dorchester High School class of 1981. He served in the U.S. Navy. Mr. Medford was a handyman doing odd jobs. He enjoyed hunting, and sports. He is survived by two children Rodney J. Medford, Jr. and wife Raven of Delmar, DE and a daughter Christina Medford of Bridgeville, DE, four grandchildren, a sister Barbara Medford Tibbs of Vienna and several nieces and nephews. A funeral service will be held on Friday, April 26, 2024 at 12pm at the Maryland...

Phyllis Elaine Rasin, 73, peacefully transitioned from "Labor to Reward" on April 14, 2024, in Easton, MD. A Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, April 26, 2024 at 1:00 pm at Asbury U.M. Church in Easton, MD, where family and friends can call 2 hours prior. To offer condolences, please visit www.henryfh.com.

Pat was a gifted seamstress and needleworker, picking up her needles again recently to make dolls and throws for workers and friends at Mallard Bay Nursing. She proudly worked the switchboard at Easton Hospital for over 40 years. Pat had lifelong friends from Tilghman to Easton, young and old, some here and some gone. She loved her pets, her sweets, her church, her friends, and family (with some of whom she shared her lovely blue eyes). Pat is joyfully reunited in Heaven with her loving husband, Robert Lee Roe, Sr. A memorial celebration will be held on Wednesday May 8th (which would have been Pat's 84th birthday) at Emmanuel Lutheran Church on Ocean Gateway in Easton at 1pm, ice cream and...

Deborah Carmen Murray, 69, peacefully transitioned from "Labor to Reward" on April 12, 2024, in Easton, MD. A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, April 27, 2024 at 11:00 am at Union United Methodist Church in St. Michaels, MD, where family and friends can call 2 hours prior. To offer condolences, please visit www.henryfh.com.

Emerson Samuel Fike, 96, of Bridgewater, VA, entered into the more immediate presence of Jesus on April 12, 2024. He was born in Easton, MD - the son of the late Albert Jacob Fike and Sallie (Weaver) Fike Myer. Emerson grew up on the family's fruit orchard. He received the call to ministry at the age of 18 from the Peach Blossom Church of the Brethren. He attended Bridgewater College, Manchester College, and Bethany Training School (now Bethany Seminary). He received his ordination at age 21 and was elected as an Elder in the Church of the Brethren at age 25. Emerson served congregations in Maryland, Indiana, and Virginia in both the free and paid pastoral ministry. He helped to develop...

Richard M. Haddaway, 85, of Salisbury and formerly of Poolesville passed away Friday, April 12, 2024. Born September 26, 1938 in Easton, MD he was the son of the late Mason and Louise Haddaway. He graduated from Easton High School in 1956 and after graduation joined the U.S. Navy. He was a Communications Technician for the Navy. In 1966, he graduated from the University of Maryland. He was a former employee of IBM and several consulting companies before becoming self-employed as a computer consultant in 1976. He retired in 2019. He loved spending time with his wife, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchild. Richard is survived by his wife of 61 years, Sherry Haddaway; daughters,...

Frank E. Daffin Jr (Ed) of Tunnis Mills, 93, passed away on April 11, 2024 at the Talbot Hospice House. Born in St. Michaels on June 25, 1930, he was the eldest son of the late Frank E. and Rebecca Roe Daffin. Ed grew up working in the carpentry trade alongside his father and uncles. From an early age he fell in love with aviation and was a licensed pilot by the time he turned 16. He was a US Air Force veteran of the Korean War, where in addition to flying he received radar/electronics training. After his discharge he spent 30 years working for IBM in North Carolina, Virginia, Maryland and Germany before retiring back home to the Eastern Shore. Ed had the good fortune to be married to two...

Brenda Ann Knopp passed away unexpectedly following surgery and a brief illness at The Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore, Maryland on Thursday, April 11, 2024. She was 63 years old. Born in Delaware on January 11, 1961 she was the daughter of the late William and Constance (Johnson) Joseph. She was educated in Laurel, Delaware and graduated from a private Christian school in 1979. Brenda was married to her beloved husband Malcolm "Tommy" Knopp, Jr. for 37 years. He preceded her in death in 2021. She and Tommy were long time residence of the Finchville Reliance area but most recently Brenda made her home in Preston. Brenda will be known for her kindness, love of animals, especially...

Gary S. Wilkinson, 82 of Laurel, Delaware, met his Lord and Savior, on April 2, 2024, surrounded by his wife and children. He is survived by his loving wife of 34 years, Patricia Wilkinson and four children, Audra Lynn Wilkinson, Karen Wilkinson Stevens, Andrew Wilkinson (Missy), John D. Szymanski, 6 grandchildren, 3 great grandchildren and special friend Mary Connolley Besse. Gary was born in Easton, Maryland, on July 21, 1941, son of the late Walton and Frances Wilkinson. He was a business owner and master barber for 55 years in Easton Maryland. He then spent his life devoted to gardening, painting, and being a loving husband "Dad" and "Poppop". He loved going to the beach and...

Daniel Vanriel, 78, of Cambridge died on April 3, 2024 at Chesapeake Woods (Autumn Lake) in Cambridge. Funeral will be Sun. April 14, 2024 at International House of Worship, Inc. in Federalsburg at 3pm with a viewing one hour prior. Visit boldentilghman.com

Oct 18, 1943 - Apr 3, 2024. Samuel was born in Baltimore to Samuel “Poppa” Chamberlaine Trippe Jr. and Emily "Ernestine" Race. Sam was preceded in death by his parents and his paternal grandparent, Dr. Samuel "Daddy Doc" Trippe of Royal Oak and maternal grandmother Eleanor "Nan" Major of New York. Sam is survived by his older sister Mary Leonard Trippe, and his daughter Victoria Ann.

Robert undefinedBobbyundefined E. Jones, 84, of Cambridge passed away on Wednesday, April 3, 2024 at UMSMC at Easton. He was born in Cambridge on November 29, 1939 and was the son of the late Clarence E. undefinedGeneundefined Jones, Jr. and Margaret Foxwell Jones. Mr. Jones graduated from Cambridge High School, Class of 1957. On August 5, 1961, he married the former Darlene Marshall of Cambridge. He worked as a salesman for A.S. Brooks & Co. for 39 years, and also for F.A. Davis Company for several years. After retiring, Mr. Jones went to work at Simmons Center Market for several years. He enjoyed coaching Little League, Babe Ruth, and American Legion Baseball. He also coached youth football....

James Nathaniel Miller, Sr., 75, peacefully transitioned from "Labor to Reward" on April 1, 2024, in Trappe, MD. A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, April 13, 2024 at 1:00 pm at Scott's United Methodist Church-Trappe, MD. To offer condolences, please visit www.henryfh.com.

Suzanne Spence Hurtt, 79, of Cambridge, MD, lost her battle with cancer on April 1st, 2024, at Compass Regional Hospice where she was surrounded by her family. Born on June 30, 1944, in Hurlock, MD, she was the daughter of the late Charles (Nick) and Louise Spence. She graduated from North Dorchester High School in 1962 and then from the University of Maryland, College Park in 1966 with a BS in Biology. She later earned her master's degree in microbiology from UMD. Suzanne worked as a research scientist studying plant viruses at the US Department of Agriculture for her entire 42 year career. During those years, she authored 40 research publications which appeared in international...

Bonnie B. Simmons, 80, of Cambridge passed away on Monday, April 1, 2024 at Autumn Lake at Chesapeake Woods in Cambridge. She was born on June 15, 1943 in Cambridge and was the daughter of the late Olin D. and Geneva Parks Burton. Mrs. Simmons graduated from Cambridge High School Class of 1961. On December 12, 1964 she married Marvin J. undefinedBuddyundefined Simmons, Jr. who passed away on July 30, 2018. She worked at Rob Roy and later at Toddundefineds Insurance Company. Mrs. Simmons enjoyed drawing, writing music, singing in church and playing the organ. She was a member of Soulundefineds Harbor Church of God. She is survived by two sons David Simmons (Beverly) and Drew Simmons (Lynn) both of...

Phillip Emory Smith Jr. Aka DJ Tuff passed away on 3/31 after a lengthy illness. He was surrounded by loved ones. DJ Tuff was born on Sept. 15, 1964, in Easton, Md. to Deloris Palmer Smith, and the late Phillip Smith Sr. In 1973, the family moved to Meriden, Connecticut where Tuff attended school. At a young age of 15, Tuff knew what he wanted to do with his life. He wanted to be a DJ. From mastering his skills on our mother's record player and scratching up her records this was his passion. Tuff returned to Maryland in his early 20's. He worked at different companies for example, Celeste Corporations in Easton and hauled crabs for Russell Doze Seafood (RDS). But that didn't stop him...

Donald Marion Walters of Federalsburg passed peacefully at UMSMC - Easton on Friday, March 29, 2024 following an extended illness. He was 81 years old. Born on January 4, 1943 in Wilmington, Delaware, Donnie was the only son of the late Elmer and Mildred Thomas Walters. He later grew up in Federalsburg and was a member of the last graduating class from Federalsburg High School in 1961. Donnie worked various jobs before serving in the US Army Reserves in the late 1960s. He spent the majority of his working life as a laboratory technician with the Maryland State Highway Administration. Donnie married Phyllis Medford on February 16, 1968, and raised their two children, Craig and Jennifer...

Bradford Bolden Sr., 70, of Easton died on March 28, 2024 at his home. Funeral services will be Sat. April 20, 2024 at Union UM Church in Federalsburg at 1pm with a viewing two hours prior. Visit boldentilghman.com

LaWanda Maria Butler, 63 of St Michaels, entered eternal rest on Thursday, March 28, 2024, in Cambridge, MD. A Service of Victory is scheduled for 12 pm, Saturday, April 13th at Union United Methodist Church in St Michaels. Friends may visit 10 am to 12 pm. Interment will take place at Charles Thomas Cemetery in St Michaels. Service will be Live Streamed funeral home website. Send condolences to www.dmorristrinitycs.com

Gary O. Ainsworth, 72, of Preston, Maryland passed away peacefully on Wednesday, March 27, 2024 at the home of his niece. Born on September 19, 1951 in Baltimore, Maryland, he was the son of Harry Ainsworth and Doris Carr Ainsworth. Gary graduated from Easton High School with the Class of 1969 where he enjoyed playing baseball and football. After high school he went on to attend Hotel/Motel Management School after which he worked and managed several hotels. After a successful career in Hotel Management, Gary then went to work for the Justice Department where he remained until his retirement in 2016. Gary was a longtime member of the Easton Elks Lodge #1622 where he enjoyed spending time...