Christian Herndon "Chris" Poindexter

1938 - 2023

Christian Herndon "Chris" Poindexter passed away peacefully on October 16, 2023, at his home in Severna Park, Maryland.

Chris was born in September of 1938 in Evansville, Indiana, to Ellen and Marlan Poindexter. Five days after graduating with distinction from the United States Naval Academy (USNA) as a member of the class of 1960, Chris married the love of his life, Marilyn Ann Mills, from Bloomington, Indiana.

Chris distinguished himself during his time in the United States Navy. As a new Ensign, he served as the Executive Assistant to the Officer in Charge of the USNA Plebe Summer Detail. Chris then completed Naval Aviator flight training at Naval Air Station, Pensacola, Florida, and received his wings in the Spring of 1962. Serving as an A4 pilot aboard the USS Forrestal (CVA-59) in the Fall of 1962, Chris supported the United States' response to the Cuban Missile Crisis. In 1963, he received orders from Admiral H.G. Rickover to report to nuclear power school, graduating first in his class. He also served aboard the USS John King (DDG-3), the USS Conynghan (DDG-17), and the USS Sellers (DDG-11).

Chris' private sector experience was equally impressive. In 1967, he was hired as a Senior Engineer at Baltimore Gas and Electric (BGE) and spearheaded the planning and licensing of two reactors at the Calvert Cliffs Nuclear Power Plant. Soon after, he earned an MBA in Finance from Loyola University, and became Treasurer of the company. In 1993, he was promoted to Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board at BGE/Constellation Energy, holding these positions until his retirement in the Fall of 2003.

Chris served on 38 corporate and community boards including the United States Naval Academy Foundation, Johns Hopkins University and Johns Hopkins Medicine, Boy Scouts of America, Greater Baltimore Committee, Historic Annapolis Foundation, Scholarship for Scholars (Chairman), Maryland State Council on Cancer Control (appointed by the Governor), Nuclear Electric Insurance Limited (NEIL), Edison Electric Institute, Nuclear Energy Institute, and the Florida Energy and Environment Commission (appointed by the Governor).

In February 2000, Chris was named Engineer of the Year at the University of Maryland Baltimore County (UMBC) College of Engineering Industrial Advisory Board. The board recognized Chris' high standards and outstanding contributions to the field of engineering through service, education, and civic action.

Chris was active at both St. Martin's-in-the-Field Episcopal Church in Severna Park, Maryland and St. Mark's Episcopal Church in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida. At St. Martin's, Chris served on the church vestry and was Senior Warden several times. He was Chairman of both the Stewardship and Search committees.

The Boy Scouts of America (BSA) always held a special place in Chris' heart. He was a scout as a young boy in Indiana, and was very proud that both his sons and all three grandsons earned the rank of Eagle Scout. He served on the BSA National Board of Directors, and was Chairman of the Board of the Baltimore Area Council. His awards included the Silver Beaver Award, Silver Antelope Award, God and Country Award, the Henry Rosenberg, Sr. Distinguished Citizen Award, and the Whitney M. Young Jr. Service Award.

Chris was an avid golfer and enjoyed playing courses locally, at their home in Florida, and throughout the world. He had wonderful memories playing golf with some amazing friends.

Chris developed expert woodworking skills and especially loved the style of 18th-century furniture. In his home workshop, he built many heirloom-quality pieces which he generously gifted to family and friends.

An award-winning photographer, Chris enjoyed taking pictures throughout his travels with Marilyn to 70 different countries, and published fascinating photo journals after each trip. A particular highlight was sharing the love of travel and adventure with his sons and their families during trips to Bermuda, Scotland, and on a private river cruise in Burgundy, France.

Chris and Marilyn generously supported many institutions and social services including the BSA, Johns Hopkins Medicine, USNA, their churches, and many civic organizations. They created and funded the Catherine Ellen Poindexter Professorship in Cardiology at Johns Hopkins University, currently held by Dr. Hugh Calkins.

Chris is survived by Marilyn, his wife of 63 years; sons Scott (Mary Claire) and Todd (Kristy); grandchildren Jacob, Christian, Emily, and Matthew; brother John (Linda); sisters Candace Poindexter Treibic (Donald) and Julia Poindexter Gunn (Malcom); and many nieces and nephews. Chris was preceded in death by his beloved granddaughter Catherine, and nephew Alan Poindexter.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at St. Martin's-in-the-Field Episcopal Church, Severna Park, Maryland at 11:00 a.m. on November 18, 2023, with a reception immediately following in the church hall. Inurnment will be at the United States Naval Academy Columbarium at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Chris' name to:

Memorial Gifts Johns Hopkins University and Medicine

Dr. Hugh Calkins Gift Fund

The Johns Hopkins Heart and Vascular Institute

P.O. Box 49143

Baltimore, MD 21297-9143

https://secure.jhu.edu/form/heart

Boy Scouts of America

Memorial Gifts Baltimore Area Council

601 Wyman Park Drive

Baltimore, MD 21211

https://www.baltimorebsa.org/poindexter