J. Earle Painter

J. Earle Painter died March 4 at home in Bowie. Mr. Painter grew up in Gaffney, SC, and was a Bowie resident for 45 years. He worked for NASA for 30 years where he was proud to be part of the Apollo, the Space Shuttle, and Hubble Telescope Programs. He served in the United States Air Force as a radar technician and attended Clemson University, where he graduated with honors. His hobbies included model airplanes, reading, keeping up with technology, and playing pool with the gentlemen at the Bowie Senior Center. He enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by siblings, Paul Painter, Irene Gossett, and Ralph Painter. He is survived by his children, Mary Adams of Bowie, Laura Johns (Sam) of Millersville, Linda Painter of Bowie, and Patricia Painter Pleinis "Dr. Patty" (John) of Bowie; sisters, Nell Blanton and Evelyn Webber; brother, James Painter; grandchildren, Kristen Washington, Michael, Kelly Rae Adams Franchy (William), Kimberly Adams, Doug Adams, Killian Wight, Kaitlyn Pleinis, Alyssa Pleinis, Elee Johns, Kayla Johns, Joseph Johns, and Jessica Johns; great-grandchildren, Donovan Washington, Skylar Washington, and Deion Manley. There will be a visitation from 2 to 5 p.m. on Sunday, March 10, at Beall Funeral Home, 6512 NW Crain Hwy., Bowie. A Funeral Service will be held at 10 a.m. on Monday, March 11, at St. Matthew's United Methodist Church, 14900 Annapolis Rd., Bowie. Interment Maryland Veterans Cemetery, Crownsville. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Geaton and JoAnn DeCesaris Cancer Institute at Anne Arundel Medical Center, 2001 Medical Parkway, Annapolis, Maryland 21401.