Thomas David Linton

DELMAR- Thomas David Linton, 51, of Delmar, and formerly of Crisfield, passed Friday, January 15, 2016 at Coastal Hospice at the Lake in Salisbury. Born on August 11, 1964, in Crisfield, he was the son of Thomas R. Linton of Spring Hill, Florida, and the late Ann Betts Linton. He was also preceded in death by an infant brother, Stephen Travis Linton, who died at birth, and two special grandmothers, Ida Ward Linton (Ma-Ma) and Mary Betts (Mom) who smothered him in love after the death of his mother. A graduate of Crisfield High School, class of 1982, David was a member of Asbury United Methodist Church in Crisfield, Salisbury Aerie #4503 Fraternal Order of Eagles and honorary member of Eagle Riders. He was proud to be the great grandson of Lem Ward and great nephew of Steve Ward, famed waterfowl carvers. David loved spending time with friends and sharing laughs. You could tell he was in the room by his laugh and strong voice. He would know everyone in attendance within minutes. His personality and humor were extraordinary. He enjoyed karaoke night and being one of the first to go for the microphone. David considered himself creative and competitive. He expressed his creativity writing songs such as “Bluer Than a Blue Crab” which reminded him of his friends and home place of Crisfield. Whether playing tennis in high school or in leagues of pool, darts, horseshoes, and poker, he loved competition. He played to win. Unfortunately, his battle with cancer he could not win. Along with his father, David is survived by his stepmother, Charlene Price Linton of Spring Hill, FL; companion, Lisa Lozier Phillips; daughter, Amber Linton Heater and her husband, Jay of Wenona; grandson, Jonah Heater; sister, Wendy Lawrence Kellam and her husband Brian of Salisbury; niece and nephew, Lauren and Ty Kellam; a special cousin, Laura Howard (son, Jesse) of Crisfield; uncle, Emerson Betts; aunt, Robyn Linton; cousins, Barbara Betts Morgan, Will Betts, Nicole Betts Bozman, Lance Linton, and Morgan Linton Frye; and a host of many wonderful friends. A graveside service will be held on Sunday, January 31, 2016 at 2:00 p.m. at Sunnyridge Cemetery in Crisfield. A celebration of life will follow at Salisbury Aerie #4503 Fraternal Order of Eagles. Memorial contributions may be made in his memory to Salisbury Aerie #4503, c/o Michael Layton, 107 Alexander Avenue, Salisbury, MD, 21801. Arrangements are in the care of Short Funeral Home, Delmar. Please visit www.shortfh.com to send online condolences to the family.

Thomas David Linton

August 11, 1964 - January 15, 2016