Benjamin Thomas Ensor

BENJAMIN THOMAS ENSOR of Bel Air died on December 24 at Upper Chesapeake Medical Center. He was 85.

Born December 22, 1919 in Monkton, he was the son of the late Benjamin T. Ensor, Sr. and Helen McComas Ward.

Following his education, Mr. Ensor enlisted in the US Navy, serving in both the Atlantic and Pacific Fleets, during World War II. Chief Fire Controlman aboard the USS RHIND (DD-404), Mr. Ensor and his shipmates took park in combat operations in North Africa, Sicily and Italy. The defeat of Germany lead the RHIND and her crew to the Pacific, where she served as destroyer escort until the Japanese surrender. The RHIND earned Four Battle Stars and combat ribbons for her crew.

Retired from Bainbridge Naval Training Center in 1980, Mr. Ensor enjoyed gunsmithing and woodworking. The latter produced fine pieces of furniture and crafted toys.

Mr. Ensor was a member of Stephenson Lodge, AF & AM, the V.F.W., and the American Legion. He was also active in the Tin Can Sailors Association, founded by destroyer veterans of WWII. He was also a member of Mt. Vernon United Methodist Church in Whiteford.

Mr. Ensor was survived by his wife of 59 years, Rosetta A. Ensor, who died at St. Josephs Medical Center, January 3, 2005, following surgery. He is survived by sons, Gary M. Ensor of Bel Air, Randy M. Ensor of Paeonean Springs, Virginia; a daughter, Susan Lee Hudler and her husband, Larry, of Delta, Pennsylvania; three grandchildren, Emily K. Ensor of Winchester, Virginia and Benjamin M. and Jamie Lynn Hudler, both of Delta, Pennsylvania; two brothers, Allan D. Ensor of Joplin, Missouri and Stanley Ensor of White Hall; and two sisters, Dorothy Grafton of Bel Air and Emily Walker of Homosassa, Florida. In addition to his parents and wife, he was predeceased by a daughter, Phyllis Ann Ensor.

As per Mr. Ensor’s wishes, in lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Harford Christian School, 1736 Whiteford Road, Darlington, MD 21034 or to Mt. Vernon United Methodist Church, 1510 Deep Run Road, Whiteford, MD 21160.