Spring 2024
Because Voices of Laurel is a quarterly publication, obituaries are compiled over the course of each issue every three months. We do our best to include as many published notices as possible, and there is no charge for inclusion. Send obituaries with a photo to laurelhistoryboys@gmail.com.
John Edward Bowen, 85
John (Jack) Edward Bowen, aged 85, of Hilo, HI, peacefully passed away on December 7, 2023. Born on October 11, 1938, in Washington DC, he spent his formative years in Laurel. John was a beloved husband, father, and esteemed member of the first responder community.
Educated at Laurel High School, John continued his studies at Western Maryland College and the University of Maryland, College Park. In 1965, he brought his wife and young family to Hawaii to embark on his career with C. Brewer and Co. His talents were quickly recognized, leading him to become a researcher at the University of Hawaii, School of Tropical Agriculture. Throughout his professional journey, he focused extensively on sugar cane, leaving an indelible mark through his well-known and respected contributions that will continue to influence future generations.
Beyond his professional achievements, John had a diverse range of interests and talents. He served as a firefighter with the College Park Fire Department and later became a Haz-Mat Trainer, dedicating his expertise to training firefighters in Hawaii and worldwide. John’s creativity extended to his passion for photography, capturing beautiful moments that are cherished by all who knew him. He skillfully combined his knowledge of the sugar industry and his photographic skills to document the sugar plantation way of life, preserving its essence in powerful images that will endure for generations.
John is survived by his devoted wife, Anne Bowen, and his cherished daughters, Maureen Figueira, and her husband Norbert, as well as Denise Marjarum and her late husband Adam, all of Pennsylvania. His enduring love extends to eight grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren, who will carry forward the warmth, wisdom, and humor that he shared with them.
While we mourn the loss of John, we also remember and honor the life of his son, Bruce Bowen, a fellow first responder who preceded him in death.
Gary Michael Ertter, 66
Lovingly written by family members for Gary Michael Ertter, 66, who died in January of this year in his home in Laurel, where he had lived for 64 of those years.
Gary was born on October 25, 1957 to parents Louella (Amtower) and Jim Ertter and older siblings Ken, Keith, and Cecelia. Younger siblings Bruce, Tim, and Lisa joined the family later. Gary was the middle child of seven.
Gary spent most of his life living in Laurel. He attended St. Mary of the Mills elementary school through 8th grade, was an altar boy at St. Mary’s Church with brother Keith, had a paper route in West Laurel for many years, and spent many hours exploring the creeks and woods that surrounded his home. As a kid his claim to fame was that he looked so much like Will Robinson (Danger, Will Robinson) (Billy Mumy) that the was treated like royalty by the popular kids on the Laurel High School bus that we had to ride to get to St. Mary’s. Gary graduated from Laurel High with the class of 1975.
He was employed with the Prince George’s County School System as a Building Equipment Operator, proudly retiring in December 2021 after an astonishing 40 years of service. He nurtured his interests in science, achieving his AS degree from Montgomery Community College, Takoma Park Campus, then working weekends as a lab tech at Shady Grove Medical Center and Washington Adventist Hospital, retiring in late 2022 after 30 years.
Gary loved playing guitar and singing songs at open mics in the area. He was a talented musician, always willing to set the key and lead the family in song. He enjoyed camping in the mountains of Western Maryland, particularly Green Ridge State Forest, where he would test his fishing skills, feign to hunt, and ‘be one with nature.’ Always one for watching and feeding birds, bunnies, and local deer, he lived simply. He just didn’t have many needs for material things, and had great respect for, and interest in, simple nature.
Gary always took good care of his mother, Louella, especially after his father passed (late 2008), stopping by every day to check on her and share a story and a treat. He enjoyed deeply those thoughtful moments of care and connection with his mom as the gentle (and confirmed favorite!) son that he was.
One thing you could set your watch by were his regular long walks back to the Rocky Gorge Reservoir via Supplee Lane across the street from home. He would forage for wild mushrooms, cooking his own creations and family recipes. We counted on Gary to bring old-fashioned eggnog (as described in a previous Voices of Laurel article) to every Christmas gathering, being considerate to bring batches for various ages (minors) and various tastes (not minors).
Gary enjoyed sharing his knowledge of cars, music, nutrition, and the outdoors with anyone who was interested or asked him a question. He fixed many a car through the years and taught others how to do minor repairs and maintenance. One of Gary’s favorite ways to connect with some of us was to share a song that he had discovered that made him happy. Some of us can’t avoid a deep smile as we recall the times that ‘Gar’ insisted that we look up, and play over and over, for both while on the phone, some odd tune that made him joyful. Gary had good taste in music that genuinely made him (and others who were fortunate enough to get a call/text) happy. The family so appreciated that we could always count on Gary to lead our family in Christmas carols, and most importantly, perfectly harmonize the ‘5 Golden Rings’, It was an endeavor, but Gary pulled it off. He had such a warm singing voice. It was noticed by the camp counselor’s way back in the 1960’s when he went to Laurel summer camp off of Avondale Rd. in Laurel with his sister, Ce. Kumbaya became a family request way too often, and singing became moments of peaceful connection enjoyed by all.
Though he spent hours dreaming, and now planning for it, he did not get to buy his retirement cabin in the hills of Western Maryland, close to where his grandparents lived their young lives.
He was preceded in death by his beloved father and mother, Jim and Lou, and baby brother Tim. He is survived by his loving brothers Ken, Keith, & Bruce, and sisters Cecelia Stanton and Lisa (husband Robert Childress). Gary is fondly remembered by his nephews David, Allen, & Richie Stanton for his tips on fishing, hunting & cooking, explaining the importance of safety, and those snazzy new socks for Christmas. Both of his nieces, Amanda & Cynthia, and nephews Ben & Joel (Father Tim Ertter) enjoyed Gary’s interest in their accomplishments and those stories about their dad, Tim. Nephews Philip, Sam, & Jonah Childress especially enjoyed Gary’s jokes and family stories about their mom, Lisa.
Always ready to extend a helping hand or a sympathetic ear, he touched many lives with his open-hearted nature, generosity, and gentle spirit.
A celebration of Gary’s life will be held in June. Friends and family are invited to contact Cecelia at ce42day@yahoo.com to get on a list to be notified for details once established, and we invite you to leave a long story, thought, and memory here: donaldsonlaurel.com/obituary/Gary-Ertter
John Samuel Leizear, 70
John Samuel Leizear, 70, a former resident of Laurel, passed away on January 1, 2024, in Cape Coral Florida. He was born in Riverdale, Maryland on August 14, 1953, to the late Charles Clayton Leizear and Lucille Mae Leizear. Johnny joined the Laurel Volunteer Fire Department in 1969 where he loved serving his community alongside his firefighter Brothers. He graduated from Laurel High School in 1972. Johnny started his career as Customer Service Representative with Washington Wilbert Vault Works in 1976, after a dedicated career of 35 years he retired in 2011.
Following his retirement, Johnny and his wife Laura relocated to Cape Coral, Florida to enjoy their retirement in 2013 where he loved the outdoors, the beach, fishing, bowling, kayaking, gardening, live music, traveling, watching sports, Nascar, and most of all, spending time with his family and grandchildren. Johnny had a heart of gold and a passion for life he loved his fur babies. He was known for taking the long way around town to sightsee.
He is survived by his loving wife of 25 years, Laura Leizear, son John Leizear (Lara), daughters Wendy Risk (Glen) and Stephanie Jones (Cordell), stepchildren Karen Spalding (Jeff), Jamie Burton, Ryan Burton (Clarissa), and Angie Lyon (Gary), 13 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his brothers, Ronald Leizear and Joe Leizear and sisters, Carol Jean Essex, Cheryl Sappington, Patty Doubledee, Deborah Haggerty, Donna Kidwell and several nieces and nephews. Johnny was proceeded in death by Charles Leizear and Mother Lucille Leizear, and 3 brothers Carnell Ray Ritchie, Charles Clayton Leizear Jr, and James W. Collins.
A celebration Of Life will be held on May 11, 2024, at the Laurel Volunteer Fire Department at 2 PM. The family kindly requests that any charitable donations be made to the Laurel Volunteer Fire Department. Please join us in honoring the life of John Samuel Leizear (Sam)—a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather who will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
Pauline Ritter, 85
Pauline Ritter, aged 85, of Cairo, WV departed this life on Saturday, February 24, 2024 at Pineview Center, Harrisville, WV.
She was born Friday, May 13, 1938 in Roane Mountain, Carter County Tennessee, the second child of Issac Winslow Hill and Lillie McKinney Hill. In 1952, her family left the mountains of Tennessee to resettle in Maryland where her father hoped to find work. She remained there much of her life, marrying and raising four boys. The family spent time residing in Bowie, Laurel, and Upper Marlboro. In 1992 she moved to Smithville, West Virginia where she purchased her own home. Over the years, Pauline was a loving and caring homemaker. She also served as a caregiver in Queens, NY for several years. On occasion, she attended the Hughes River Presbyterian Church of Cairo, WV.
She is survived by her sons, Steve Ritter (Diana) of Cairo, WV; Jerry Ritter (Sherry) of Augusta, WV; David Ritter (Leslie) of Parkersburg, WV, and Mark Ritter (Sherry) of Dellslow, WV; her loving grandchildren, Clayton, Jeremy, David Jr., Michelle, Paul, Nathan, and her many loving great grandchildren.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Edward Allan Ritter on June 5, 2006; infant son, Edward Anthony Ritter; granddaughter, Bobbie, and her nine siblings, Howard, Louise, Trula, Homer, Arnild, Orville, Ethel, Douglas, and Norman.
She was a woman of strength and perseverance and faced adversity and the many trials in her life with determination and resolve. Her children and grandchildren were the most important things to her. She loved animals, especially her little dog Snookie. She also loved cornbread, trips to the thrift store, and rides in the car “sightseeing.”
Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.mcculloughraiguel.com
John Witmer, 88
It is with deep sadness and broken hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved father John Paul “Jack” Witmer. Jack passed away peacefully at his home in Laurel, MD on January 28, 2024, surrounded by his five daughters. Jack was born to Lillian Cecilia Witmer and Paul James Witmer in Washington, DC on December 29, 1935. They moved to Laurel in September 1939, just shy of his fourth birthday.
Jack was an energetic child who battled asthma but that did not keep him from playing his favorite sports. In his early years he worked as a pin setter at the old Laurel Bowling alley and went on to play in a bowling league as a young adult. Jack attended Saint Mary of the Mills Catholic School until eighth grade then transferred to the old Laurel High School where he graduated in 1954. During his high school years, he was an avid and skilled baseball and basketball player. Students gave him the nickname “Az” and would chant it from the bleachers whenever he would have to sit out for a break due to his asthma. Jack also loved to dance. Even winning dance contests in his early years.
After graduating high school Jack went on to work for the NSA for six years. First at Arlington Hall then at Fort Meade until August of 1962. He played for the NSA Sparks baseball team during his time there. He also worked part-time at Giant Food during his NSA years. He decided that a desk job was not for him, so he left that behind and started a new career. He then moved on to be a manager at Jumbo Food and finally moved on to be a head night stocker at Safeway in 1972 where he eventually retired from in 2002 after 41 years of service combined. Jack was also a Real Estate Agent in Laurel part-time for many years before retiring.
Jack loved conversation and had a memory that never ceased to amaze anyone who knew him. He could talk for hours about history, sports, old city of Laurel stories, current events or just about anything. A “gift to gab” that he passed on to his daughters. Jack loved traveling, watching sports (The Redskins, The Washington Nationals, The Washington Capitals and the Wizards, just to name a few), listening to music, watching his favorite sports show—The Sports Junkies, and spending time with family. Jack also loved being at his beach house and spending time with his neighbors, both in Laurel and at his OCMD home.
Jack is survived by his brother Dennis Witmer and Sister-In Law, Pat Witmer and his four nieces and nephews. Jack is also survived by his five daughters: Terry (Richard) Giddings, Kim Witmer, Lisa Kreis, Taimi McKay and Tracy (Nick) Totaro. Jack leaves behind a dozen grandchildren; Casie Giddings, Westley Giddings, Destinee Kreis, Luke Kreis, Jesse Kreis (Katie), Jenna McKay (Rob), Jordan McKay (Lindy), Kellen McKay (Jess) Courtney McKay (Kevin) Gianna (Anthony) Parenti, Daniella Totaro and Dominic Totaro. Jack is also survived by four great-grandchildren: Baine McKay, Reign Kreis, Ripley Kreis and Pepper Musisko. Jack was so proud of each of them. Jack is also survived by Jack Kreis and Ricky McKay.
Jack was preceded in death by his mother and father, Lillian Witmer and Paul Witmer and by our loving mother, Norma Smith Witmer and former Mother-In-Law Regina Smith.
Memorial donations may be made in Jack’s honor to the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 6704 Hagerstown, MD 21741.