Howard Vinson Grubb's Obituary
Howard Vinson Grubb, 82, passed away the evening on March 19, 2024 @ Frederick Health Hospital. He was born in Cripple Creek, Virginia, the youngest of Keller and Lenora Grubb’s 8 children. Growing up in rural Virginia made a lasting impression on him. In his early teens, he moved to Montgomery County, MD, getting a job in a gas station in Germantown, Md. There, he met Elizabeth (Libby) Cox, who would become his cherished wife of 62 years. Howard worked at Haines Lithograph in Gaithersburg, MD for several years before starting his job with the Federal Bureau of Engraving and Printing in Washington D.C. where they printed U.S. currency and stamps. He worked here until his retirement. In the early years of their marriage, he and Libby hosted Christmas parties for friends at their Germantown house, Christmas Eve dinners for extended family, and enjoyed time on their boat at the Chesapeake Bay. They bought their first house in the 60’s on Ward Ave. in Germantown, MD and later built his dream home on 10 acres in Northern Frederick County. Howard could fix anything, even things that maybe shouldn’t have been fixed. He had the gift of being able to take seemingly unrelated parts and combine them to create something that he needed to solve a particular problem he was having. It was being at home with Libby, puttering around his house and garden, and helping friends and family fix things, though, that he enjoyed the most. There, he also helped his son, Mark, with his heavy equipment business. In addition to being a husband and father, he was a wonderful Grandpa/Pop Pop to Adam Alex and Noah, passing on the ‘Grubb gene’ of being resourceful, teaching them how to fix their cars and other things that need fixing. The last several years, he was a devoted caregiver to Libby, who is living with dementia. It was his singular focus and an amazing example of ‘until death do us part’. He is survived by his wife, Libby; son, Kevin (Tracy); grandsons, Adam, Alex, and Noah Grubb; daughter-in-law, Linda Grubb, grandson J.T. Nettles (Leslie), great-grandson J.T., Jr.; his carpool buddies of 20 years, Bob, Charlie, Glen, Wade, Mike and Walter; and many nieces/nephews/brothers-and sisters-in law. He was preceded in death by son, Mark, and siblings, Charlotte, Ollen, Leo, Duane, Elmo, C.L. and Sarah Frances. Howard’s family is very grateful to the Staff of Frederick Health Hospital, 2C, who provided compassionate care to him in his final days. They are also grateful to the staff at Edenton Retirement Community, for their care and support over the last 3.5 years and especially, during this past week. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Daybreak Adult Day Services: 7819 Rocky Springs Road, Frederick, MD 21702; https://daybreakadultdayservices.org/donate-here/
A Memorial Service will be held on Friday, March 29, 2024 at 11:00 at Resthaven Funeral Home, 9501 Catoctin Mountain Hwy, Frederick, MD 21701. The family will receive friends beginning at 10:00 a.m. Lunch will follow the service.
What’s your fondest memory of Howard?
What’s a lesson you learned from Howard?
Share a story where Howard's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Howard you’ll never forget.
How did Howard make you smile?