Carl Plummer

Carl Plummer died Wednesday, December 2, 2009 at Easton Memorial Hospital. Known to many as Uncle Carl or Mr. Carl, his devotion and love for his family, Salem United Methodist Church and many friends will be deeply missed. He was 93. Mr. Plummer was born March 19, 1916 in Forrest, Delaware, to the late, George Plummer and Ada Austin Plummer. Early in his childhood his family moved to a farm near Galena, MD. During this time he attended Galena School and enjoyed time on the Sassafras River with family and friends. He also raised and sold pigeons and helped his family on the farm. This was the beginning of his love and deep knowledge of the land, which came from experience in many aspects of farming. The greatest joy in his life was meeting and falling in love with Virginia Miller whom he married March 11, 1937. Virginia Miller Plummer and Carl Plummer were married for 63 wonderful years. She died in his arms in 2000. She introduced him to an important part of her life, Salem United Methodist Church and until his death he remained a devoted and involved member. He was very active in every aspect of the Church, serving as chairperson on many committees. During their early years of marriage, Mr. Plummer managed a farm in Queenstown, MD for four years. In 1940 they were offered a job working for Glenn L. Martin and moved to a farm in Broadneck, outside of Chestertown, MD. In 1947, while on the Stephne Farm in Broadneck, he was offered the position of manager for all of Glenmar Farms (now Chesapeake Farms). During part of his employment the total acreage was over 6000 acre’s. They resided in the house known as Broadnox. In 1956, following the death of Glenn L. Martin, Mr. Plummer accepted a position as manager at Land’s End Farm at Cliffs City, Chestertown, MD. For 23 years they lived at ‘Saltbox’ and managed the large farm. In 1980, Carl and Virginia finally ‘retired’ to Fairleegrove, their farm in Fairlee, MD. Their home was known for the beautiful and many rose bushes, the many varieties of fruit trees and the large garden. He also successfully raised bees. There was always a warm welcome and a friendly smile to all who visited. Mr. Plummer worked in his flowerbeds until this fall; he never wanted to ‘just sit’ but received much satisfaction when working in his yard and garden. Each location, Mr. Plummer had not only improved the land and livestock but also did extensive landscaping plus home and building remodeling. He was known for his willingness to work hard, of helping others, love of roses, distaste for weeds, enjoyment of the water, and desire for perfection. As you travel Rt. 20 this Christmas season, enjoy the large Christmas tree lit at Salem Church, Carl Plummer planted it in 1966. He loved to celebrate the birth of his Lord and to share the beauty of this holiday. He said that his life had enough blessings that there could be one for each bulb, no matter how large the tree was to grow. To his loved ones, he and his dear Virginia gave out that many blessings and many more. Besides his many contributions to Salem United Methodist Church and the community of Fairlee, Mr. Plummer was a member of the Farm Bureau, The Chestertown Cotillion, and the Men’s Club of Salem United Methodist Church. He enjoyed hunting, fishing and training labs. In addition to his parents and wife, Mr. Plummer was preceded in death by three brothers, Henry Plummer, George Plummer and Ralph Plummer and three sisters, Pearl Capps, Evelyn Kirkpatrick and Florence Ford. He is survived by a sister, Doris Ivins and her husband, Louis Ivins of Twin City, GA and a sister-in-law, Doris Plummer of Chestertown, MD. Also surviving are numerous nieces, nephews and their families by whom he was deeply loved and respected. Each family member knew that Aunt Ginny and Uncle Carl were always there to listen, love, and offer advice and encouragement. A time of visitation will be held Saturday, December 5, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Fellows, Helfenbein & Newnam Funeral Home Funeral Home, Chestertown, MD and again at 1 p.m. on December 6 at Salem United Methodist Church. A funeral service to celebrate the life and faith of Carl Plummer will be held 2 p.m. December 6 at Salem United Methodist Church, Fairlee, MD. Burial will follow in St. Paul’s Cemetery near the lake that he was instrumental in building. Contributions in his memory may be made to the Salem United Methodist Church, 23055 Parsons Rd., Chestertown, MD 21620 or the charity of your choice.

Carl Plummer

March 19, 1916 - December 2, 2009