Edwin Lewis Althouse

Edwin “Ed” Lewis Althouse, 81, of Davidsonville, MD, passed away suddenly on October 13, 2021. He was the husband of 59 years to Gloria L. (Kramer) Althouse.

Born on May 4, 1940, in Reading, PA, Ed was the son of the late Clarence “Hans” M. Althouse and Ruth S. (Rettew) Althouse. He graduated Magna Cum Laude from Muhlenberg College in Allentown, PA in 1962 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Physics. Ed married the love of his life, Gloria, on September 1, 1962. Later he received a master’s degree in Physics from the University of Maryland. Ed worked at the U.S. Naval Research Laboratory (NRL) in Washington, DC from 1962 until his retirement in 2004 after 41 ½ years of service. He was the Head of the Networks and Communication Systems Branch of Information Technology Division at NRL prior to his retirement.

Ed had many hobbies, including photography, travel, hiking, sailing, and listening to bluegrass music at the Albert Music Hall in Waretown, NJ. In retirement, Ed created an electronic organ that sounded like a pipe organ in his basement. He worked on perfecting the pipe organ sounds for 12 years using a “musical digital interface” (midi) and a complex computer program using the “C” language. He made several organ music CDs with this electronic organ. Ed enjoyed spending time at his beach house in Long Beach Island, NJ. He also enjoyed home improvement projects, where he did everything himself: gardening, carpentry, electrical and plumbing repairs.

Ed is survived by his wife, Gloria, and 3 children: Yvonne A. Dedrickson (and son-in-law, Les Dedrickson), Michelle L. Althouse (and son-in-law, Vern Shird), and Bryan L. Althouse (and daughter-in-law, Kris Althouse).

Ed is also survived by 5 grandchildren: Kirsten R. Dedrickson (and grandson-in-law, Jason Reinecke), Alyssa B. Dedrickson, Tara N. Dedrickson, Evan C. Althouse, and Keiran R. Althouse.

Ed is predeceased by his brother, Hans L. Althouse.

Funeral arrangements are private.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to: https://helpingupmission.org or plant a memorial tree: https://www.candlelightfuneralhome.com/obituary/Edwin-Althouse/1079128/memorial-tree