J. Thomas Middleton

J. Thomas Middleton died on November 22, 1999 at Penninsula Regional Medical Center in Salisbury, MD after a long illness. He was 86 years old. Born in Crosby, MD on January 15, 1913 he was the son of the late James and Rita Howgate Middleton. They moved to Baltimore where he attended school in East Baltimore. He became a police officer for Baltimore City in 1942 and served for 30 years. He retired as a highly decorated Lieutenant in 1972. Mr. Middleton married T. Mae Mogan on February 16, 1935. She preceded him in death on September 1, 1999. His involvement in Masonic bodies began in John H.B. Latrobe Lodge #165 Ancient Free & Accepted Masons of Maryland where he served as Master. He rose to positions of importance including Grand Master of Ancient Free and Accepted Masons of Maryland and as Worthy Grand Patron of the Eastern Star. He was coroneted Honorary Inspector General 33rd degree Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite, Southern Jurisdiction and also served as Puissant Sovereign of St. Cyprian Conclave of the Red Cross of Constantine. In addition he was a member of Boumi Temple Shrine of Baltimore, MD. Mr. Middleton was a past member of Gatch United Methodist Church of Baltimore and a member of Rock Hall United Methodist Church, Rock Hall, MD. His brother Arthur Leroy Middleton and his sister Eleanor Wilhelm also preceded him in death. Mr. Middleton is survived by 2 sons and their wives: James Albert and Mickie Middleton of Lynchburg, VA and John Thomas and Melva Middleton of Salisbury, MD and by his sister Ruth Middleton of Baltimore, MD. Eight Grandchildren and ten great Grandchildren also survive him. The family will receive relatives and friends on Friday, November 26, 1999 from 2:00-4:00 p.m. and 7:00-9:00 p.m. and on Saturday November 27, 1999 from 10am to 11am at the Fellows, Helfenbein & Newnam Funeral Home, P.A. at 130 Speer Road, Chestertown, MD. Graveside services will follow at 11:30 a.m. at Wesley Chapel Cemetery, Rock Hall, MD. In lieu of flowers, the family suggest memorial contributions be made to the Alzheimers Foundation, Eastern Shore Chapter, PO Box 2233, Salisbury, MD 21802-2233, to the Scottish Rite Children’s Language Disorders Program, 3800 North Charles Street, Baltimore, MD 21218, to the Knights Templar Eye Foundation, 72 William Colburn, 6501 Ridge Road, Mount Erie, MD 21771 or to John M. Coates Memorial Lodge, C/O Grand Lodge of Maryland, 300 International Circle, Cockeysville, MD. 21030. Arrangements by Fellows, Helfenbein & Newnam Funeral Home, P.A., Chestertown, MD 21620.