Robert J. Mudd Sr.

Robert J. “Bobby” Mudd, Sr. died peacefully at home, surrounded by family, on January 30, 2016 in Pomfret, MD. He was 79. Mr. Mudd is survived by his loving wife Sylvia, as well as his three children and their spouses: Robert J. Mudd, Jr. and his wife Alison, of Mechanicsville, Maryland; Julie Yowell and her husband Christopher, of Pomfret, Maryland; Stanton Blakeslee and his wife Beth, of Greenville, North Carolina. Mr. Mudd is also survived by seven grandchildren: Michael, Tyler, Alexander, Arianna, Akayla, Aubrey, and Carson. He is preceded in death by his parents, George D. Mudd Sr., and Esther Jameson Mudd; his brother George D. Mudd Jr.; and his son, Lance Corporal Michael P. Mudd, USMC. Robert was born on July 15, 1936 in Washington, DC and grew up on the family farm in Pomfret, MD where he would happily spend much of his life. He graduated from La Plata High School in 1954, and joined the United States Air Force in 1956. After his honorable discharged, Bobby joined the Charles County Sheriff’s Department in 1961. He served for 20 years, achieving the rank of Second Lieutenant. It was on the Sheriff’s Department that he met the love of his life: his fellow deputy, Sergeant Sylvia Blakeslee. They married in 1981, after which they blended their two families and built a home on the family farm in Pomfret. Bobby and Sylvia lived there for 35 years, surrounded by family and Bobby’s beloved cattle, until the end of his life. Bobby was a bright and resourceful man who could build or fix anything, Bobby’s favorite hobby was faithfully restoring antique John Deere tractors. Many local residents have seen his work at the Charles County Fair, where for years the John Deere Club of Charles County has exhibited their talent and craftsmanship. In addition to being a founding member of the John Deere Club, he was also a member of the FOP Lodge #24, the Charles County Sheriff’s Office Retirees Association, the Maryland Two-Cylinder Club, and the Maryland Farm Bureau. Bobby also loved a good story, and the table by his favorite chair always held a stack of thrillers, military fiction, and westerns. His favorite author was James Patterson. Bobby was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and friend. He was also a true Southern gentleman farmer: unassuming, hardworking, fearsome, and forthright, with the purest sense of right and wrong. Behind a gruff exterior was a man adored and respected for his honest, kind, and compassionate nature. He was also well known for his generosity and willingness to do for others, a commitment borne out of his deep faith in God. He was a lifelong member of St. Joseph’s Parish in Pomfret, where his body will be laid to rest at 2 PM on Friday, February 5, with a repast to follow. Father Stokes will officiate. The viewing will be held at Raymond’s Funeral Service, 5635 Washington Ave., La Plata MD on February 4 from 2-4 PM and 6-8 PM, with prayers at 7 PM. All are welcome. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to: St. Joseph’s Parish Capital Campaign 4590 St. Joseph Way Pomfret MD, 20675 La Plata United Methodist Church Capital Campaign P.O. Box 2824 La Plata MD 20646 Condolences can be sent to www.raymondfuneralservice.com. Lastly, the family would like to thank Sierra Wheeler, RN for her gentle and committed care for Bobby during his time of illness. She was a true blessing sent from God.

Robert J. Mudd Sr.

July 15, 1936 - January 30, 2016