John Lawson Crothers Jr.

John Lawson Crothers, Jr., 82, resident of Charlestown (Catonsville, MD), peacefully went home to his Savior on Thursday, January 15, 2009.

John Crothers is survived by his loving wife of fifty-three years, Betty I. Browne (formerly of Cumberland and Laurel, MD and Fenwick Island and Bethany Beach, DE), his daughter, Holly Anne, and her husband, The Reverend Barry Hidey, of Bel Air, MD; granddaughters, Sarah Hidey (Denver, CO), Rachel and her husband, Justin Harbin (Nottingham, MD) and grandson, Garon Hidey (Bel Air, MD). He is also survived by his devoted sister and brother-in-law, Mary and Larry Wiggins (North East, MD), several aunts and numerous nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his infant son, John Lawson Crothers, III.

John was born in Hampstead, MD on August 30, 1926 to John Lawson and Mary Crothers and grew up on their dairy farm in Cecil County. He was a patriotic member of the "greatest generation" and served his country with pride and dedication as a Quartermaster in the U.S. Navy from August 1944 to June 1946. He served on PC-1171 and PC-1161. He was awarded the American Defense Service Medal, American Campaign Medal, Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal, and the World War II Victory Medal.

He graduated from the University of Maryland with a B.S. in Agricultural Education and M.S. in Agricultural Economics and spent his career with the Maryland Department of Agriculture at the University of Maryland as a Marketing Specialist, gaining regional and national recognition for both his grain marketing and transportation work. This included a 1974 World Bank Supervisory Mission to India where he served as an Expert Grain Market Analyst Consultant.

John was devoted to, and enjoyed time spent with his family. An avid surf fisherman and water sports enthusiast, he spent most of his summers in and around his beloved Bethany Beach, DE. After retirement, he enjoyed winters with his wife in Florida. He was active in his church, College Park Rotary Club and Laurel Wreath Lodge #149, Baltimore Scottish Rite, and BOUMI Shrine in Baltimore.

Flowers are not expected, but contributions may be made to
Fisher Center for Alzheimer's Research Foundation
One Intrepid Square
West 46th St. & 12th Ave.
New York, NY 10036

There will be no visitation. A memorial service will be conducted by The Reverend Mark Waddell at Bel Air United Methodist Church, 21 Linwood Avenue, Bel Air MD at 11 AM on Saturday, January 24. Inurnment will be conducted privately.