Robert M. Backhurst, Sr.

Robert M. Backhurst, 77, of Crofton, died peacefully February 8 at Anne Arundel Medical Center, due to complications from Parkinson's disease. He was born in St. Clair, MI on October 12, 1935 and was the son of the late Reginald and Evelyn Backhurst of Venice, FL. Bob graduated from Port Huron High, class of 1953, and attended Ferris Institute in Big Rapids, MI. He was active in the U. S. Air Force Reserves. He had a successful career with the J.C. Penny Co., retiring after 39 years as Manager of Forest Village Park in Maryland. Bob was an avid sailor of the Great Lakes and the Chesapeake Bay. He also enjoyed spending the winter months in Florida with family and friends. He was a member of the Bowie Elks 2309, American Legion, and the Annapolis Moose Lodge. He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Barbara Ann; son, Robert Jr.; daughters, Cynthia (Robert) Eisler and DeAnn (Larry) Simmons; three grandsons, Dennis and Nicholas Eisler and Christopher Simmons; and one sister, Mary Lee (Tom ) Peacock of Fort Gratiot, MI. Friends are invited to a Memorial Gathering from 5 to 8 p.m. on Monday, February 11, at the family-owned Beall Funeral Home, 6512 NW Crain Hwy. (Rte. 3 South), Bowie. A Mass of Celebration of Life will be held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, February 12, at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church, 1800 Seton Dr., Crofton. Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Hospice of the Chesapeake, 445 Defense Hwy., Annapolis, MD 21401.