Brooks Edward Widder

Brooks Edward Widder, 80, of Frederick, Maryland, passed from this life on Tuesday, September 1, 2026 at Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore, MD. He is survived by his loving wife of 56 years Catherine (Cathy) Widder.

Born on July 12, 1946 in Dover, Ohio, he was the son of the late Donald Edward Widder and Helen (Kleinknecht Moomaw) Widder.

He was a graduate of Garaway High School (Sugarcreek, OH), class of 1965. He attended Heidelberg College (Tiffin, OH); and graduated from Tri-State University (Angola, IN), class of 1970.

Brooks was a US Air Force Staff Sergeant. He served as Maintenance Analyst Specialist at Davis Monthan AF Base in Tucson, AZ & Anderson AF Base in Yigo, Guam during the Vietnam Wartime.

His working years began as a teenager with the family business, Shepfer- Moomaw Brick Plant. His professional career was spent with NOAA (National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration) from 1975 until retirement in 2002 as a Civil Engineer with Great Lakes Water Levels Branch of the National Ocean Survey Division.

Brooks was an active leader in the Walkersville Community. He was a very involved member of the Glade Valley Lions club for over 40 years, serving many leadership roles including President and Secretary. Additionally, he was in charge of the Lions Club calendar project for many years, editor of the monthly "Growl" newsletter, and received the prestigious Melvin Jones Fellow award in 2005.

He was also a dedicated member of Glade United Church of Christ, Walkersville MD since 1976, and served as chair of the Property Committee for many years, served several terms on church Consistory, many years as Financial Secretary, member of Tawasi Sunday School class, mashed potato maker for church suppers, and so much more. He devoted much of his time to improving and repairing the church facility, helping out wherever he was needed.

In addition to the countless hours he spent serving the community through the church and Lions Club, Brooks's greatest joy was his family, especially his grandchildren and great-grandson. He enjoyed every opportunity to gather with family near and far.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by daughters: Katrina Smith (Cary, NC), Kimberly Stevens & husband Jeff (Frederick, MD), Kara Caprarola & husband Ivan (Middletown, MD); grandchildren: Cole Stevens & wife Lea (Joppa, MD), Ellie Stevens (Frederick, MD), Anna & Shawn Smith (Cary, NC), and Dawson, Haley, and Brooke Caprarola (Middletown, MD); and great grandson: Elias Stevens (Joppa, MD). Additionally, he is survived by sister: Marcia Weber & husband Don (Dover, OH); brother-in-law: Bob Ladrach (Sugarcreek, OH); brother-in-law: Steve Goetz & wife Marcia (Fremont, OH); and many nieces & nephews. He was preceded in death by daughter Kelsi Widder and sister Linda Ladrach.

The family will receive friends from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm on Saturday, September 5, 2026 at Glade United Church of Christ, 21 Fulton Avenue in Walkersville, MD, with a funeral service to begin at 12. Pastor Chad Weddle will officiate.

Interment will follow at Glade Cemetery.

Memorial donations may be made to Glade United Church of Christ or Glade Valley Lions Club.

Arrangements are with Stauffer Funeral Home, Walkersville. Expressions of sympathy may be offered to the family at StaufferFuneralHome.com