Robert "Bob" Eugene Wirt

Robert "Bob" Eugene Wirt of Laurel, MD passed away on Saturday, January 12, 2013 at Gilchrist Hospice in Columbia, MD, at the age of 73. Bob was born on October 7, 1939 in Mifflintown, PA to Anna Beatrice (Frey) Wirt of Mifflintown, PA and the late C. Gerald Wirt.

Bob joined the U.S. Navy in 1959, serving as a Russian linguist for 9 years before joining the National Security Agency in 1968. He served in a variety of technical and managerial positions until his retirement in 2000, and then as an executive at SAIC for another 5 years. At Nichols-Bethel United Methodist Church, Bob was the lay leader from 1979-1992, a choir member and occasional organist. He was a founding member and president of the Christian Assistance Program food pantry. Bob served as a leader in the Indian Guides and was an Assistant Scout Master for troop 769 leading numerous high-adventure trips and helping several young men to attain Eagle Scout rank. Bob's passions were travel, volunteering in the national parks, and conducting historical and genealogical research for the people and places of the Big Bend region of Texas, which he considered to be his second home and family. His research can be seen at www.lifebeforetheruins.com .

Bob is survived by his wife of 17 years, Scarlett Carson Wirt of Laurel, MD; three sons, Michael Robert Wirt of New Windsor, MD, Jonathan Christopher Young of Marietta, GA and Christopher Gerald Wirt of Odenton, MD; four grandchildren, Emily and Timothy Wirt and George and Meredith Young; two sisters, Lois Steele of Knox, PA and Gerri Kay Towsey of Port Royal, PA and a brother, Steve Wirt of Mifflintown, PA.

A Celebration of Bob's Life will be held at the Donaldson Funeral Home & Crematory, P.A., 1411 Annapolis Road, Odenton, MD 21113 on Friday, January 18, 2013. The family will receive friends from 12:00pm to 2:00pm. A memorial service will be held in the funeral home chapel immediately following from 2:00pm to 3:00pm. Interment will be private. Services for family and friends in Pennsylvania will be held on Saturday, January 19, 2013 at Centre Lutheran Church in Mifflintown, PA (old Route 22), with visitation at 2:00pm followed by a service at 3:00pm.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Christian Assistance Program, Inc., or Boy Scout Troop 769. Contributions for either organization should note that they are in memory of Robert Wirt and can be sent to P.O. Box 176, Odenton MD 21113.

Online condolences may be made at www.donaldsonfuneralhome.com