Curtis Bradley Howser's Obituary
Curtis Bradley Howser, 76, of Frederick, Maryland, passed away on February 2, 2026. He was born on November 10th, 1949, in Leesburg, Virginia, to the late Kenneth Gordon Howser Sr. and Inez Loretta Rutter. Curtis was a devoted husband, father, and grand daddy, and was married to Mary Luby for 42 years.
The youngest of four siblings, Curtis grew up in farming communities before moving to Damascus, Maryland. At Damascus High School, he was active in soccer, student government, and drama. After graduation, he earned an Associate's degree in Arts and Sciences from Frederick Community College and a Bachelor of Science in Education with a focus on Industrial Arts from Georgia Southern University. He later completed his student teaching at H.V. Jenkins Senior High School in Savannah, Georgia.
Curtis began his 45-year career in education in 1972 at Gaithersburg Junior High School. In 1976, he joined Frederick County Public Schools, where he taught a wide range of subjects—from photography to metal shop—at Governor Thomas Johnson High School. He earned a Master’s degree in Education with a concentration in Guidance from Western Maryland College (now McDaniel College) in 1977. After leaving the classroom, he served the Frederick and Catoctin High School communities as a guidance counselor. His dedication was recognized when he was named the Maryland School Counselor Association’s High School Counselor of
the Year. Curtis also served on the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools Visiting Committee and Senator Mikulski’s Academy Review Board.
His philosophy as an educator was simple: "Make every kid feel a little special." His passion for mentoring students and colleagues alike left an enduring mark on those around him. He retired in 2017 after a fulfilling career in education.
Curtis is survived by his wife, Mary; his daughter, Molly Smith (Roy “Sam”); his grandchildren, Mary Elizabeth and Samuel Curtis; his sisters, Ellen Beall and Peggy Drenning (Dahl); and his sister-in-laws, Karen Howser, (Kenneth) Janet Chambers (Lee), and brother-in-law, Tom Luby (Sandy), as well as many beloved nieces, nephews, and great-nieces and great-nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, and brother, Kenneth Howser Jr.
In his spare time, Curtis enjoyed bluegrass music, woodworking, and reading. A licensed home improvement contractor, he found joy in his many hands-on projects. He also cherished tending to his vegetable garden and spending time with family, especially his grandchildren. He loved vacations at Chincoteague Island and was known for his warmth, infectious laugh, and great sense of humor. He never met a stranger and made everyone feel like family.
A celebration of Curtis’s life will be held at Resthaven Memorial Gardens, 9501 Catoctin Mountain Highway, Frederick, MD 21701. The family will receive visitors on Friday, February 13th, from 4-6 pm, and a service will be held on Saturday, February 14th, at 11 am, with visitation beginning at 10 am. In lieu of flowers, those wishing to honor his memory may donate to the Frederick County Retired School Personnel Association Scholarship Endowment Fund via The Community Foundation of Frederick County; 312 East Church Street, Frederick, MD 21701
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