Ronald O. Linton

Ronald Otmer Linton, 83, of Woodsboro, Maryland, passed away peacefully on October 16, 2026. Born on June 12, 1943, in Ladiesburg, Maryland, Ron spent his life building lasting friendships, serving his community, and leaving a meaningful impression on generations of young athletes throughout Frederick County.

He was the son of the late George Otmer Linton and Edith Maude Linton-Humphrey. He was also preceded in death by his sister, Earlene Moser.

Ron devoted many years of his professional life to public service as the Director of the Frederick County Highway Department. His commitment to Frederick County, however, extended far beyond his professional career.

A lifelong sports enthusiast, Ron had a special passion for youth athletics. He dedicated countless hours to coaching baseball and basketball, mentoring young athletes, and encouraging generations of young people both on and off the field. He also served as an IAABO basketball referee and county basketball game scheduler, further demonstrating his enduring commitment to the sports and community he loved.

His contributions to local athletics were recognized with his induction into the Alvin G. Quinn Memorial Sports Hall of Fame in 2001, an honor of which he was immensely proud. Ron also served as president of the Hall of Fame, continuing his dedication to recognizing and celebrating the athletic achievements of others.

For Ron, sports were always about more than wins and losses. They were about the friendships formed, the lessons learned, and the young people whose lives he had the privilege of being part of. Few things brought him greater satisfaction than watching those he had coached and encouraged grow into successful adults. The relationships he built along the way became lifelong friendships and remained among his greatest treasures.

Above all, Ron cherished his family. He is survived by his beloved wife of 64 years, Sandra Jean Linton; his son, Ronald Troy Linton, and daughter-in-law, Catherine Marie Linton; and his grandson, Connor Christian Linton.

He is also survived by his sister, Shirley Pippin; his nephew, Richard Nehls; and Richard's children, Derek Nehls, Erika Nehls, and Brogan Calloway, whom Ron loved and regarded as his own grandchildren.

Ron shared a particularly special bond with his nephew Randy Eaves and was blessed with many cherished relationships among all his nieces, nephews, cousins, and extended family.

Ron leaves behind a legacy that cannot be measured simply in years of service, awards, or accomplishments, but in the countless lives he touched along the way. His love of family, devotion to his community, passion for sports, and the friendships he nurtured throughout his lifetime will be remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

“The final buzzer may have sounded, but Ron's legacy will live on in every life he touched and every heart that remembers him.”

The family will receive friends from 3 to 7 p.m. on Friday, October 23, 2026 at Stauffer Funeral Home, 1621 Opossumtown Pike in Frederick. Expressions of sympathy may be offered to the family at StaufferFuneralHome.com.