Obituaries

Summer 2025

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Ronald Able, 86

Ronald Able, age 86, of Laurel, Maryland died peacefully at home on May 26, 2025. He was born in Louisville, Kentucky in 1938 at home to his parents Charles Daniel Able, Sr. and Margaret Watkins Able. He was the third of 4 boys who all preceded him in death. Ronald joined the U.S Army at age 17 and served in the 3rd Artillery Division in Cold War era Germany. Upon being honorably discharged he met his future wife Janet Cook Able and was in 1961. He is survived by his wife, Janet, daughter Angela, son Brian (wife Michelle) and daughter Christen. Ronald is also survived by two grandsons, Joshua Able Carter and Nicholas Able.

Throughout his life, Ronald held many jobs including police officer, restaurant owner and manager, and worked in construction. He was most recently an associate at the Laurel Beltsville Senior Center. He was an avid motorcyclist, loved music, cooking, and in retirement took up acting at the Laurel Mill Playhouse.

Ronald’s infectious personality and generosity will be missed by all he loved and came in contact with. In lieu of flowers donations can be made in his name to either the Wounded Warrior Project or Laurel Mill Playhouse.

A celebration of Ronald’s life will be held later this summer.

Michael Baxley, 74

Michael J. Baxley, of Bowie, Maryland, passed away peacefully on April 26, 2025, surrounded by his loving family.

Michael was a shining light in the lives of all who had the privilege of knowing him. His journey on this earth was one marked by love, compassion, and unwavering faith in God. His passing has left a void in the hearts of his family, friends, and many more whose lives were touched by him. Michael battled courageously through a progressively debilitating condition in his final years, and we ask that you remember him not for the way his life ended, but for the way it was lived, and for the profound impact it had on the lives of those who had the pleasure of knowing him.

He is survived by his devoted wife, Barbara; his cherished daughters, Michelle Smith and Jessica Daffan; nieces Christina (Shane) Ittenbach, and Lea (Aaron) Ittenbach; and his beloved grandchildren, Richard, Nicholas, Delaney, Makenzie,  Emmaleigh Ann, and Emmaleigh Grace. Michael was also blessed with great-grandchildren, including Braxley and Lincoln; great-nephews, Caleb and Cole;  great-nieces, Adriana and baby Ittenbach; along with a host of brothers, sisters, nieces and nephews.

Michael was especially close to his sister Carol and nephew Richard Friend, with whom he enjoyed reminiscing about their years selling Christmas trees and fireworks in the 1970s–80s in Washington, DC—a seasonal family business started by his father, Vernon, in the 1940s.

Michael’s life was marked by deep love for his family, enduring values, unwavering humor and a quiet strength that touched all who knew him. He will be remembered for his wisdom, humor, and the unending kindness he extended freely to those around him. 

Don Beikman, 79

Donald Beikman died peacefully at home on May 5, 2025 in Winter Garden Florida at the age of 79. Don is survived by his wife of 39 years, Tina Beikman; daughters Christine Beikman, Jennifer Taylor (Butch), Donna Roehr, and son Paul Morton (Alison); grandchildren Leah, Haleigh, Ashley (Patrick), Shane (Sara), and Paige; great-granddaughter Amelia; and brothers, Ray and Leroy. He was predeceased by his parents Hulda and Walter Beikman, sister Viola Stigge, brother-in-law Michael Baxley, and son-in-law Brian Roehr. He is survived by many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Don was born in Concordia, Kansas. He served in the U.S. Army and was a proud Vietnam veteran. He lived in Hyattsville and Laurel before moving to the Philadelphia suburb of Maple Shade, New Jersey in 1979. He worked at United Engineers, Raytheon, and the Washington Group as a mechanical engineer before retiring in 2015 and moving to Florida. He then worked part time for Walt Disney World in Animal Kingdom Lodge, Animation courtyard in Hollywood Studios, and most recently in the Emporium in The Magic Kingdom.

Don enjoyed watching the Kansas City Chiefs and NASCAR in his free time. Don was a man of a few words until it came to his rival fans of the Philadelphia Eagles. He enjoyed spending time with his granddaughters and was there for them whenever they needed him. He will be greatly missed.

Denise Buckley, 67

Denise Carson Buckley (nee Denise Elizabeth Carson) was born on August 24, 1957, to Gerald William and Eileen Anne Carson in Laurel, Maryland. Denise was one of five children born to Gerald and Eileen Carson, her siblings being an older sister Sharron Brossi (nee Carson), a younger sister Delinda Clark (nee Carson), and younger brothers Chris Carson and Frank Carson.

Denise Buckley died on December 9, 2024, and is predeceased by her husband Christopher Buckley and her son Michael Behr.  She is survived by her sister Sharron Brossi and brothers Chris and Frank Carson. Denise has three grandchildren Justin Behr, Brian Behr and Jasmine Behr who survive her. She is also survived by in-laws Tim Buckley, Annmarie Buckley, Patrick Buckley, and nieces Jordan Brossi, Alex Carson, and nephew Griffin Carson.

Death Is a Door

by Nancy Byrd Turner

Death is only an old door

Set in a garden wall;

On gentle hinges it gives, at dusk

When the thrushes call.

Along the lintel are green leaves,

Beyond the light lies still;

Very willing and weary feet

Go over that sill.

There is nothing to trouble any heart;

Nothing to hurt at all.

Death is only a quiet door

In an old wall.    

Steven Heaton, 67

Steven James Heaton, age 67 of Maple Grove, passed away in his home on December 26, 2023. He was born in Honolulu, Hawaii on December 6, 1956, to parents Delfina and Harley Heaton. Steven’s family moved around frequently during his childhood for his parents’ military careers—Delfina in the Marines and Harley in the Navy. Based in Laurel, Maryland for most of his youth, Steven also spent time visiting his mother’s family in El Salvador.

Steven graduated from the University of Maryland with a Bachelor’s Degree in Vocal Performance. He met the love of his life, Lisa Nichols, in 1982 while they were performing in a musical at the Rockville Little Theatre in Rockville, Maryland. After accidentally falling into the orchestra pit, he asked her out. She accepted as a “pity date”—a joke Lisa made that they shared with friends for many years. They married three months later in October of 1982 and were blessed with their son Jordan in 1987 and daughter Emma in 1991. The Heatons relocated to Minnesota in 1995.

Steven carried his love of music and singing with him to his new home state. This love continued to be a major cornerstone of his life. A baritone, Steven performed for many weddings, funerals and solos. He was also part of the Minnesota Chorale, Two Rivers Chorale, Summer Singers, Kantorei, Vox Nova, and other groups.

Steven was continually active with Osseo United Methodist Church for over 20 years, and could be found singing in the choir, playing the hand bells, or greeting members at the door on most Sundays. Before joining OUMC, Steven and family were members of Grace United Methodist Church in Gaithersburg, MD for nine years.

Steven loved sci-fi, writing poetry, woodworking, and fishing. He also loved camping, especially the many summer trips he took with his brother and his best friends.

Steven is survived by his loving wife of 41 years, Lisa; son, Jordan (Leah) Heaton and daughter, Emma Heaton (Kevin Shermock); brothers, Harley (Rebecca) and Larry Heaton. He is preceded in death by his parents, Delfina and Harley.

Steven was a funny, kind, sensitive, and thoughtful person who had a special bond with his daughter, friends, and his community. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

Marilyn Johnson, 73

Marilyn Therese Meiselbach-Johnson, a beloved Laurel beacon of creativity and advocacy, passed away on June 7, 2025 due to complications from illness. Born on June 25, 1951 in Brooklyn, NY, Marilyn’s creative spirit and passion for the arts was evident from an early age.

Her academic journey culminated in a degree in speech pathology from the State University of New York at Fredonia, a testament to her commitment to helping others find their voice. However, Marilyn’s heart always held a special place for her first love, sewing, a skill she honed under the watchful eye of her beloved grandmother, Rose McDonald. Her talent in this craft would become a defining aspect of her professional life.

Marilyn’s entrepreneurial spirit shone brightly as the owner and operator of the Whimsical Unicorn from 1993 to 1998, and later as the proprietor of the Marilyn Johnson Sewing Design Studio. Her reputation for excellence in alterations, costume design, and custom clothier work were well-known, and her leadership skills were recognized in her longtime role as President of the Laurel Board of Trade. As President of the Board Marilyn worked tirelessly to promote local small businesses and organize the annual Main Street Festival.

She also shared her expertise and enthusiasm as an active member of the Professional Association of Custom Clothiers and the Business Women’s Network of Howard County, where she helped to coordinate the scholarship fund for women seeking higher education to re-enter the workforce.

Marilyn’s interests were as diverse as her talents. She was an avid listener of public radio and a devoted reader of Heather Cox Richardson’s daily briefs. She delighted in cooking and preserving foods, which brought joy to many family gatherings. She loved theater and opera, both from the audience and on stage herself. Books were constant companions throughout her life, and she found great pleasure in the written word. Later in life she enjoyed learning about different spiritual practices and exploring her own individual faith.

Marilyn is survived by her husband, Paul Johnson; her children, Jessica (Patrick), Thomas (Jennifer), and Kevin (Rachel); her cherished grandchildren, Damon, Cooley, Elliott, Grady, Jude, and Bria; and her siblings, Charles, Barbara, Gerard, Karen, and James. Her parents, Maryann and Charles Meiselbach, and sister Regina Vogt preceded her in death. Marilyn will be laid to rest at the family plot on Long Island, NY in a private graveside ceremony.

In her passing, Marilyn leaves behind a tapestry of memories that will continue to inspire and influence those fortunate enough to have been a part of her remarkable journey. She was a woman who lived her life with purpose, and her absence will be felt deeply by her family, friends, and the community she so lovingly served.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Marilyn’s memory to WAMU.

Carlton W King, III, 77

Carlton W King, III, known to many as Buddy, died peacefully at age 77 on June 8, 2025. Buddy will be remembered for his generosity of heart, deep concern for others, musicianship, critical thinking, teaching skill, and ability to inspire teamwork in individuals and organizations not accustomed to working together.

Growing up in Seaford, Delaware, Buddy was well known for his trumpet playing. His musical gift brought him honors, such as the Sussex County Band, the All-Eastern Orchestra, and numerous performing opportunities normally reserved for adult musicians. He was also an accomplished pitcher, leading his team to the state championship round of the Little League World Series. He would later go on to coach and umpire Laurel Boys and Girls Club baseball teams, winning a Citizenship Award for his community service.

At East Carolina University, Buddy developed a passion for Renaissance music and branched out from trumpet to recorder, krumhorn, sackbut, cornetto, rackett, and numerous other instruments of the Medieval, Renaissance, and Baroque periods. He directed the Collegium Musicum, the first early music ensemble at ECU and the first student-initiated for-credit course at the University. He then went on to obtain his Master’s degree in Musicology at the University of Maryland College Park, where he met his wife, Gabriella.

At a time when young men were doing anything they could to avoid fighting in the Vietnam War, Buddy chose to enlist in the Army because “if I didn’t go, someone else would have to serve in my place.” While stationed in Vietnam, he became a Chaplain’s Assistant, playing the organ for worship services, leading a choir, and counseling troops through a host of practical and emotional issues. He later characterized that year as one of the best of his life because of the opportunity to help others in unimaginable circumstances.

In his first career, as an early music performer and teacher, Buddy founded two Medieval-Renaissance groups, the King’s Consort and A Newe Jewell, performing at events ranging from educational settings to presidential inaugural balls. As a teacher, he took pride in bringing out the best in his students, and, as a chamber music coach, he helped musicians of all levels make the most of their abilities and produce something exceptional together.

After 15 years, Buddy began a second career as an intelligence analyst in the Department of Defense. Combining his love of travel and his exceptional code-breaking skills, Buddy served for three years each in Britain during the end of the Cold War and Operation Desert Storm, and Germany after the fall of the Berlin Wall. As a manager, he was recognized for turning under-performing teams into cohesive, successful units that took pride in their work. In his last years at the Defense Department, he taught courses that involved assembling intelligence and law enforcement professionals from around the world and exploring new ways to cooperate.

After retirement, Buddy launched a “third career,” arranging music for British-style brass bands. His transcription of Mussorgsky’s Pictures at an Exhibition was premiered in Munich.

Buddy has been described as a “quiet fighter.” In the wake of a stroke, in 2018, he regained much of his mobility and language skills through seven years of sustained hard work. He took classes at SCALE (Snyder Center for Aphasia Life Enhancement), in which he continued to take a huge interest in his fellow stroke survivors’ hobbies and accomplishments, supporting and cheering on their progress. He described himself as “an off the charts introvert,” but you wouldn’t know it from his eagerness to encourage others.

He considered one of his greatest accomplishments raising his son Jeremy, an intellectual property attorney, a former Broadway musician, and the father of an already empathic 19-month-old daughter.

Buddy is survived by his wife of 52 years, Gabriella, his sister Carlteen Diehl, his son Jeremy (Jamie), and his granddaughter Isadora.

Ernest "Ernie" Lefever, 75

Steven James Heaton, age 67 of Maple Grove, passed away in his Ernest “Ernie” Levi Lefever, a lifelong resident of Maryland, was born in Laurel on January 1, 1950. He passed away peacefully on May 7, 2025 at the age of 75.

Ernie was known for his kind heart, friendly spirit, and unwavering honesty. He spent many years as an independent taxi driver, a role he deeply enjoyed for the opportunity it gave him to meet and connect with people from all walks of life. His passengers often remembered him not just for the ride, but for the genuine conversations and warm demeanor that came with it.

Above all, Ernest was a devoted husband and a wonderful father and grandfather. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Irene Lefever, who passed away in 2019.

He leaves behind a loving family who will forever cherish his memory: his daughter Kathy Heinz and son-in-law Larry Heinz; his grandchildren Holly Adams, Kylie Heinz, and Trenton Heinz; and his great-granddaughter Eliana Lugo. He also leaves behind step-children Lisa Austin and Jennifer Beasley, step-grandchildren Kirkland Austin, Kimberly Austin, Grant Beasley and Logan Beasley and step-great grandchildren Eliza Jane & Layne Woeste— all of whom loved him dearly and will miss him deeply.

Ernest is survived by his siblings: Larry Lefever, Roberta Lefever, Jerry Lefever, Molly Jean Baublitz, Lisa Lefever, and Michael Lefever. He was preceded in death by siblings Rosemary Lefever, Arlene Lefever, and Robert Lefever. He will be missed by many nieces, nephews, and other extended family members.

Ernest’s life was a quiet testament to kindness, hard work, and sincerity. He touched the lives of many and will be fondly remembered by all who knew him.

James Welsh, Jr., 82

James Welsh, Jr, age 82, of Laurel, passed away in hospice care on June 5. Jim was predeceased by his parents, James, Sr., and Elizabeth (Pritchard) Welsh; and his wife of 58 years Nancy (Phair) Welsh. Jim is survived by his sister, Betsy Welsh; sons Jeffrey Welsh (Amy) of Morgantown, WV, and Mark Welsh of Laurel; and grandchildren Sadie and Eliza Welsh, of Morgantown, WV, and Payton and Jackson Welsh, of Laurel.

Jim was born and raised in Laurel and attended Laurel Elementary School, OW Phair Elementary School, and Laurel High School, graduating in the class of 1961. He married his high school sweetheart, Nancy, in 1964 and eventually built a house on land his parents had gifted him, next door to the house where he grew up.

Jim served in Vietnam from 1967 to 1968 before eventually joining the National Security Agency, where he worked until his retirement in 1994. After retiring from the U.S. Government, he served as office manager at First United Methodist Church of Laurel for 11 years.

Jim was an avid golfer who loved playing at Caledonia Golf Course in Pennsylvania, as well as many courses in Myrtle Beach, SC, and wherever he and Nancy traveled. He stayed connected with the men from his Vietnam unit, attending reunions all over the country. Jim also was an accomplished baker, known for treating family and friends to his delicious creations. Jim was devoted to his family and to God. Family and friends will remember him as a loyal, honest, man of integrity—a true selfless gentleman who put the needs of others first.

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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.