Howard Ballman Kramer

Howard Ballman Kramer, 88, passed away on September 5, 2023 at Carroll Lutheran Village in Westminster, MD.  Born in Baltimore, MD on October 17, 1934, Howard was the son of the late Howard and Sophie (Ballman) Kramer.  After receiving a Bachelor of Science degree in Animal Husbandry from the University of Maryland in 1957, Howard enlisted with the United States Marine Corps, where he found his calling.   Howard truly loved serving in the Corps.  Prior to being honorably discharged he achieved the rank of First Lieutenant.  Post his Marine Corps days, Howard embodied the adage ‘once a Marine, always a Marine.’ (His two children, four grandchildren and many nieces and nephews came to understand the gravity of that phrase in their interactions with Howard throughout the years!)

Howard’s passion for the Marine Corps was surpassed only by the love he had for his wife of over 63 years, Frances Patricia (Pat) (Kane) Kramer, who predeceased him last year.  It was Pat who convinced Howard to return to civilian life, where they continued their journey together in numerous cities and states before making Westminster home as Howard spent many years in the corporate world working in real estate site development.  Given Howard’s tremendous work ethic (and the doggedness of a Leatherneck), he knew working for himself would be the best fit, allowing him to be his own man.  After 20 years of successfully running his own business as a MAC tool distributor, Howard retired.  He would be quick to credit his success to the support of and teamwork with Pat.  Howard’s retirement gave him the flexibility to increase his involvement in the community through church activities and local charitable organizations, as well as serving on the Carroll County Board of Zoning Appeals for 12 years.

Howard and Pat will be interred together in a private ceremony at Garrison Forest Veterans Cemetery, where Howard will be accorded the military honors due him.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Carroll Hospital Foundation, 200 Memorial Avenue, Westminster, MD 21157 or BridgingLife, 292 Stoner Avenue, Westminster, MD 21157, two organizations of great importance to Howard and Pat both as beneficiaries and benefactors.