Worley Gene Umbarger, Sr.

Worley Gene Umbarger, Sr. of Churchville, Maryland passed away peacefully on January 26, 2024. He lived a full and lively 92 years dedicated to his family, to the Churchville Presbyterian Church, to Harford County agriculture, talking to everyone he met, and taking naps as needed.

Gene was born on May 7, 1931, to Worley Neff and Louise Foard Umbarger. He was the oldest of three brothers. He started milking cows on his family’s dairy farm, Woolsey Farm, when he was 10 and continued doing so until 1986. Dedication to his community started young. During WWII he was an airplane spotter for Churchville. He was a member of the East Harford 4-H Club, later leading it for many years and becoming a Maryland 4-H All-Star.

He graduated from Bel Air High School in 1949. In his senior year, Gene was proud to have been the Chief Judge of the Student Court. He was also an active member of the F.F.A. and was the high placing individual in the Maryland State F.F.A. Dairy Judging contest. He was a faithful member of Churchville Presbyterian Church for 70 years. Starting as a Youth Leader, later he became a Ruling Elder, and chairman of the Cemetery Committee. He met his wife, Louise Harlan, at Churchville Presbyterian while they were singing in the choir. In 1962 they married.

Gene was dedicated to Harford County’s agricultural community. He served on Harford County Ag Advisory Committee, Harford Soil Conservation District Board, Farm Service Agency Board, Ag Preservation Board, and several other Harford County agricultural boards. He also served as president of Harford County Farm Bureau and the Maryland Extension Advisory Committee. He was named Harford County Farmer of the Year in 1996. At the time of his death, he was an active member of Fallston Farmers Club and had been designated a Harford County Living Treasure.

Everyone who met Gene Umbarger knows he never really retired. After he finished milking cows, he worked as a real estate agent with Coldwell Banker for 10 years. He continued to work Woolsey Farm with his son, Worley, raising sheep and beef cattle as well as quality hay and other crops. He faithfully attended the Bel Air Farmer’s Market nearly every Saturday for 25 years; first working with his daughter, Kate, and later all three granddaughters. He was a salesman and conversationalist. He made a connection with everyone he met. Gene truly never knew a stranger.

Gene Umbarger is survived by his wife of 62 years, Louise Harlan Umbarger, his brothers Lloyd and Richard, his son Worley Umbarger, Jr., Worley’s wife Cindi, his daughter, Kate Umbarger Dallam, Kate’s husband David, his three granddaughters, Josie Dallam, Emmy Dallam Beavers, her husband Lucas, and Belle Dallam, as well as many beloved cousins, nieces, and nephews. Gene loved people. He lives on in the memories of countless individuals he interacted with wherever he went, especially those fortunate to share a lunch table with him at Broom’s Bloom Dairy.

A visitation will be held on Friday, February 23^rd from 2pm to 8pm at Broom’s Bloom Dairy. A service will be held at Churchville Presbyterian Church on Saturday, February 24^th at 11 am.

In Lieu of flowers, you may contribute to: Churchville Presbyterian Church 2844 Churchville Road, Churchville, MD 21028