Charles Leroy Cairns, Jr.

Charles L. Cairns Jr. of Kingsville, MD passed away on November 7th of cancer at Union Memorial Hospital. He was 67.

Born January 5th, 1936 in Coatesville Pennsylvania, he was the son of Charles L. Cairns, Sr. of Honeybrook, Pennsylvania and the late Eleanor N. Cairns. He grew up in the Sadsburyville Township and graduated from Coatesville High School in 1953.

A member of Tau Beta Pi Engineering Honor Society and Triangle Fraternity, he received his Bachelor of Science degree in Aeronautical Engineering from the Pennsylvania State University in 1957. While in attendance at the university, he also served as the managing editor of the Penn State Engineer, a publication of the university’s college of engineering.

Upon graduation, he moved to Baltimore, Maryland where he began work with The Martin Company as a Systems Analyst. While there, he worked on various projects including the Titan Rocket used in the Gemini space program.

After completing his coursework with the Drexel Institute of Technology in 1960, he was awarded a Master of Science degree in Aeronautical Engineering.

In 1967 he went to work for the United States Army at the Aberdeen Proving Ground, where he completed 36 years of service.

His wife of 40 years, the former Nancy L. Nortman; a son Mark A. Cairns and his wife Laurie of Richmond, VA survive Charlie. His 94-year-old father Charles L. Cairns Sr. of HoneyBrook PA and a sister Jane C. Bevan of West Chester, PA also survive him. A brother, Robert A. Cairns passed away in October 2000.

One of his favorite pastimes was skiing in Steamboat Springs and Snowmass Colorado with his family and watching Penn State football games on television. He also served as the treasurer for The Friends of Jerusalem Mill.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Legacy of Faith Building Fund at the First Presbyterian Church, 224 North Main Street, Bel Air MD 21014 or to The Friends of Jerusalem Mill, Box 480, Kingsville MD 21087.