Obituaries
- Staff Writers
- Oct 7, 2024
- 11 min read
Fall 2024
Carol Geis Barnes, 78
Carol Rae Geis Barnes, age 78, of Glen Burnie, MD, passed away in her home on August 17. Carol was predeceased by her parents, Raymond Geis and Ruth Carolyn “Connie” Geis (nee Bosman), and siblings Sandy Smith, Raymond Geis, and Judy Rhyne. She is survived by siblings Debbie Geis of Glen Burnie, MD; Russell Geis (Ginny) of Laurel, MD; and Thomas Turner (Paula) of Easton, MD; sons Michael Barnes of Rochester, WA; Dana Barnes of Michigan City, IN; and Nathan (Mayumi) Barnes of Arlington, WA; grandchildren Ashley Barnes of Orlando, FL; Joel Barnes of Lynnwood, WA; Faith Frye of Winlock, WA; and William, Hayden, Makayla, and Thomas Barnes of Michigan City, IN; and thirteen nieces and nephews.
Carol was born in Baltimore, MD, the first of seven children. She grew up in Brooklyn, MD, and graduated from Andover HS, in Linthicum, MD, in 1964. Carol loved cruises—with destinations including Jamaica, Aruba, and other parts of the Caribbean—Harley Davidsons, and, of course, her family. Carol was also true to her hometown teams, the Baltimore Orioles and the Baltimore Ravens. She was a loving sister, mother, aunt, and grandmother. Carol was a strong woman with a positive attitude and was a loyal friend who expected the same in return.
Carol worked in various dealerships in Laurel for many years—including CarMax, Academy Ford, and Old Glory Harley Davidson—serving in the roles of office manager, title clerk, and comptroller. She will be remembered for her giving nature and strong sense of values. There will be no memorial service or burial.
Jose Antonio Blanco, 96
Jose Antonio Blanco, beloved husband, father, grandfather and friend passed away peacefully on September 12, 2024 at age 96. Born on August 6, 1928 in Cuba, Jose lived a full and vibrant life defined by hard work and love.
Jose is survived by his devoted wife of nearly 64 years, Josefa Estilita Blanco, his two daughters, Isabel Blanco (spouse Eleanor Kerlow) and Ana Doris Blanco-Logsdon (husband Thomas R. Logsdon) and his cherished granddaughter, Marina Kerlow.
Before moving to the United States in 1954, Jose was a small aircraft pilot and worked as a crop duster in Cuba, a job that spoke to his adventurous spirit. After immigrating to the U.S. he proudly served in the US Army during the Korean War.
On November 21, 1960 he married Josefa beginning a partnership that would span over six decades.
Together, Jose and Josefa ran a full service upholstery business for more that 60 years. Jose’s charisma and personality shone through in every interaction and his entertaining Spanglish and knack for storytelling made him unforgettable to everyone he met. He had a unique gift for bringing smiles and laughter making friends wherever he went.
Jose’s warmth and humor will be deeply missed.
Robert P. Danton, 72
On August 20, 2024, Robert Page Danton, of Pasadena, Maryland, loving husband, father, grandfather “Pappy”, and brother, passed away at the age of 72.
Bob was born on April 23, 1952, in Riverdale, Maryland, to David Francis Danton and Jeanne Elizabeth Danton. He attended Laurel High School, where he was senior class president, captain of the football team, and also lettered in baseball and track. He went on to earn a Bachelor of Science degree in Health and Physical Education from Frostburg State College in 1975. On May 22, 1976, Bob married Beverly Jean Schweitzer (who he met at Frostburg) and they raised two children, Keri Renee and Kraig “Bo” Robert.
Some of Bob’s hobbies were deer hunting, archery, and training his bird dogs. He loved camping and always looked forward to family week at Bethany Beach. Bob and Bev enjoyed spending their vacations touring the national parks across the United States and Canada. Serving the Lord through his church was a blessing for him; during his adult years, he dedicated much of his time in three local churches. At Severna Park Baptist Church, he was a deacon, an usher, and was ordained as an elder in 2021. He also served as a deacon and usher at Faith Baptist Church for many years. Prior to that, at Lake Shore Baptist Church, he was a recreation chairman and was ordained as a deacon in 1985. There, he and Bev made a huge impact for Christ on countless young people through the years as youth teachers and Centrifuge counselors. Bob began coaching youth for Lake Shore basketball and baseball, where he was instrumental in starting the Lake Shore travel baseball program. He was truly a gifted coach and had a passion for helping young men reach their potential both on and off the field.
Bob worked 35 ½ years in Baltimore for Yara North America as a terminal manager before retiring in 2014.
Bob has now been reunited with his father, David, and his mother, Jeanne. He is survived by his loving wife of 48 years, Bev; his two children, Keri (Adam) Johnston of Mechanicsville, Maryland, and Bo (Naomi) Danton of Lyman, South Carolina; his two grandchildren, Emma Johnston and James Johnston; his sister, Nancy Russell; and many cousins, nieces, and nephews.
William “Jeff” Jefferson Dudley, 67
On August 20, 2024, William Jefferson “Jeff” Dudley went home to be with his parents Roy Lee Dudley Sr., and Fay Lee Dudley. He also will be joining his late siblings, Donna Marie Dudley, John Paul Dudley Sr., Thomas Nelson Dudley, and Wallace Kenny Dudley. He is survived by his older siblings, Roy Lee Dudley Jr. and wife, Patricia; his sister, Ruth Ann Amis; and his younger siblings, Robin Joyce Cavander, husband, Dewayne, Ronnie Lee Dudley, wife, Robin. Jeff is also survived by his niece and caretaker, Angel Hook, as well as many nieces and nephews and and extended family and friends. He will be greatly missed and loved forever.
Jeff was a lifetime Laurelite whose childhood home was the building that now serves as the Laurel Museum. He was also a longtime manager of Laurel’s historic Tastee Diner, a beloved “Oldtown Laurel” columnist for the former Laurel Leader newspaper, and a treasured friend to countless people whose lives he touched.
Jeff lived and breathed Laurel history, and was a wealth of information to us and to many others. He left his mark on our hometown in more ways than one. In fact, he’s got a permanent presence on Google Street View—anytime you want to see Jeff’s familiar figure striding along Main Street, go to the July 2019 view in front of 322 Main Street, and fittingly, there he’ll be.
Lon A. Hildebrand, 61
Lon Adam Hildebrand passed away suddenly on September 13, 2024. He left us far too soon at the age of 61, leaving behind a legacy of love, laughter, and unforgettable memories.
Lon was known for his sharp wit, strong will, and boundless sense of humor. His caring and loving nature touched the lives of all who knew him, and his presence could put a smile on anyone’s face. A true free spirit, he had a deep passion for Harley-Davidson motorcycles and found peace riding the open road and working on his Harley 2.0 (his bicycle).
More than anything, Lon cherished his family. He was the proud father of Samantha (Hildebrand) Sweeney and Cory Hildebrand, who will forever hold his spirit close to their hearts. He was a devoted grandfather to five wonderful grandchildren: Savannah, Shaelynn, Brooks, Skylar, and River, who adored their “Pop” and will miss his playful nature, his humor, and the joy he brought into their lives.
His strength, independence, and determination were an inspiration to all who knew him. He faced life’s challenges head-on, never backing down, and always finding a way forward. These qualities, along with his deep care for others, made him a very special person to his family and friends. Whether he was near the water, listening to his music way too loud or surrounded by loved ones his unwavering spirit and love for life shone through.
Lon was preceded in death by his father Eldon Hildebrand, his brother Ned and sister Libbie. He is survived by his loving mother, Pat Hildebrand, and his siblings Ray, Tod, Rebecca, Jan, and Kate. The bond they shared will remain unbroken, as they carry his memory with them always.
Though his passing was unexpected, Lon leaves behind a family and friends who will treasure his memory every day. His love for life, his laughter, and the joy he spread will live on in the hearts of all who had the honor of knowing him.
He will be missed more than words can express, but his spirit will continue to ride on with every sunset and in every laugh shared by those who loved him. In memory of Lon, please spend time with loved ones and share a story or two about your great memories with him.
Hazel Taylor Horton, 101
Hazel Taylor Horton, born on July 13, 1923 in Danville, VA, passed away peacefully at the age of 101 on September 21, 2024, in Columbia, Maryland. Hazel and her twin sister, Helen, were the youngest children of their parents Flournoy and Jennie Taylor. Hazel’s life was marked by resilience, having grown up as a Depression-era child, but was fortunate in that her father owned a small coal and wood business and could provide the minimum essentials for the family. Unfortunately, at age 9, Hazel’s mother died suddenly and left her and her twin to be raised by her father and a neighbor, Mary Tinder, who became a boarder in the family home.
Upon graduating from Danville’s George Washington High School in 1941, Hazel and Helen both worked briefly in the local cotton mill. At age 20, they moved to Washington D.C. to seek work in support of the war effort. Hazel landed an entry level job at the Army Security Agency where she met her future husband First Lieutenant, USAF, John “Jack” Horton. Hazel and Jack were married on May 31,1952 in the chapel at Mt. Myer, Virginia.
Hazel gave birth to two boys: John, Jr in 1953 and Mark in 1955. Hazel and Jack moved from Arlington, VA to Broomall, PA for a short time but returned to Fairfax, VA in late 1955. Hazel stopped working for several years to raise her children but returned to work part-time in the mid-1960s. In 1967, the family moved to Laurel, MD. She began working full-time in 1971 at the Defense Logistics Agency in Alexandria, VA. She retired from there in 1993 as a Supervisory Technical Information Specialists.
Sadly, in 1975, Hazel’s husband of nearly 23 years died suddenly of a heart attack at age 50. Hazel was left alone to raise her boys and handle all family affairs from that day on. She put her two boys through college, worked full-time, managed her home, and took care of everything necessary to maintain a household. Tragedy stuck again in 1999 when her son John died of pancreatic cancer at age 45. It was during these times that her resilience and ability to adapt and thrive began to shine. Throughout her life, and probably because of her upbringing, Hazel was frugal and never exhibited an extravagant lifestyle. She became an avid investor in the stock market and became well versed in all aspects of the financial markets. She studied the tax codes and did her own taxes until her early 90s.
Hazel loved to play bridge throughout her entire adult life. She organized and/or participated in multiple bridge groups in the Laurel/Columbia area. She also loved watching her boys play sports from the time they were children through college. She loved to read, particularly non-fiction, until her eyesight diminished. Hazel was a charter member of St. George’s United Methodist Church in Fairfax, VA, and a former member of the Laurel Presbyterian Church.
Hazel lived on her own until she moved, in 2015, into a senior continuing care living facility in Columbia, MD, where she remained until her death.
Hazel is survived by her son Mark Taylor Horton and his wife Lori Ann (Grimes) of Laurel, and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Judith A. Miller, 74
Judith A. Miller, 74, formerly of Laurel, Maryland, and Fleetwood, Pennsylvania, passed away on Sunday, July 28, 2024, at the Laureldale Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Laureldale, Pennsylvania.
Born on September 25, 1949, in Reading, Pennsylvania, Judy was the daughter of the late Nevin E. and Janet E. (Ebert) Miller of Fleetwood.
A 1967 graduate of Fleetwood Area High School, Judy received a BS degree in nursing from West Virginia Wesleyan College in 1971. She spent 24 years working as a registered nurse in the Washington, D.C., area and also at the ECC Retirement Village in Myerstown, Pennsylvania. She then transitioned into conference planning for 20 years in Washington, D.C., retiring in 2015 from the American Society for Public Administration as their senior director for conferences and professional development.
She was a dedicated volunteer on the Laurel 4th of July committee for many years, spearheading their fundraising efforts throughout the year and recognized for her devoted efforts. In 2020 she served as a Laurel 150th Anniversary ambassador.
Judy was a faithful friend to many, opening her home to people who needed a place to stay. She loved to throw parties, celebrate holidays, and was a tireless baker of Christmas cookies, birthday cakes and other treats. She was a zealous supporter of the Olympics and Team USA.
Judy’s sense of humor and love of laughter remained until the end. She will be deeply missed by all who knew and love her.
In honor of Judy, donations can be made to the Laurel Fourth of July Committee: 8103 Sandy Spring Road, Laurel, MD 20707.
Patricia (Redmond) Thompson, 71
Patricia (Redmond) Thompson, affectionately known as Patty, departed this world on May 30, 2024, at the age of 71, after a courageous battle with metastatic cancer. Born on October 30, 1952, in Riverdale, Maryland, to the late Donald Redmond and the late Whitley “Vee” Goins, Patty grew up surrounded by a loving family and community in Savage, Maryland.
Blessed with a steadfast and joyous spirit, Patty’s life was a testament to her loving nature, her sense of humor, and her capacity for thoughtfulness. She is survived by an adoring family: her daughter Theresa Collins and husband Michael, her son Patrick Thompson, her cherished grandsons Tanner and Austin Collins, her sister-in-law Carolyn Downey and husband Frank, as well as her aunts and uncles Vanessa and Frank Hunt and Al and Catherine Goins. Patty was a pillar of strength and affection to her many nieces and nephews. Her heart had been previously saddened by the loss of her husband, Terry Thompson, on May 16, 2023, and her dear Aunt Joan Slonaker, whom she held very close to her heart like a sister.
Patty’s educational journey concluded at Atholton High School, where she graduated before embarking on a career that would be as diverse as it was impactful. She initially worked at Hyrdonautics, where she made many lasting friendships. As her children were born, she transitioned to working at the family-owned Thompson’s Liquor and Deli, ensuring she could be present during those formative years. Patty’s career path later led her to the Savage Volunteer Fire Company, where she served as the administrative assistant for over 30 years, a testament to her dedication and caring nature.
Her involvement in the community was robust and heartfelt. Patty served as the longtime President of the Ladies Auxiliary to the Howard County Volunteer Firefighters Association a position she still held at the time of her death. She was an active participant in the PTA when her children were in school, always advocating for a better educational environment. Patty’s faith was an integral part of her life, as she was a longtime member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church. Her commitment to her faith was evident in her regular participation in Thursday Night Chapel Services.
Her personal interests were deeply entwined with her love for family and faith. Patty was a cornerstone in the lives of her grandsons, nieces, and nephews, readily welcoming them into her embracing home.
Patty’s absence will leave an indelible mark on those who knew her, yet her legacy lives on through the countless memories cherished by her family and the community she so lovingly served. She passed away peacefully surrounded by her family in Clarksville, Maryland, leaving behind a trail of laughter, kindness, and heartfelt memories.
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.
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