Philip W. Tawes

Philip W. Tawes, 85

CRISFIELD - Philip W.Tawes, 85, died Friday, December 7, 2007 at his home in Crisfield.

Born in Crisfield on May 19, 1922, he was the son of the late former Maryland Governor J. Millard Tawes and the late Avalynne Gibson Tawes.

A graduate of Crisfield High School's class of 1939, he attended the University of Maryland where he was a member of the Theta Chi Fraternity. He was President of Philip W. Tawes Insurance Agency in Crisfield, founder of the former Tawes Real Estate in Crisfield, co-founder of Tidewater Insurance Agency in Baltimore, and co-founder of the former Tidewater Real Estate in Baltimore. He was also the former owner of the Lincoln Theater in Crisfield.

He was a US Army captain combat veteran of World War II serving with the former Company L 1229th Division of Crisfield. A devoted and faithful member of Immanuel United Methodist Church in Crisfield, Mr. Tawes' memberships include, Chesapeake Masonic Lodge #147 AF & AM of Crisfield, Crisfield Elks Lodge #1044, Stanley Cochrane Post #16 American Legion in Crisfield, VFW Post #8274 in Crisfield, Crisfield Chamber of Commerce, J. Millard Tawes Foundation, National Rifle Association, AARP, Crisfield Country Club, Nassawango Country Club, Great Hope Golf Course, former Rotary Club of Crisfield, former City Economic Development Commission, and Board of Directors of the former Bank of Crisfield and the former Peninsula Bank in Crisfield. He loved to tell jokes, and was an avid golfer and boater.

He is survived by his loving wife of 64 years, Peggy Unzicker Tawes of Crisfield; his sons, Philip Wesley Tawes, Jr. of Annapolis, John W. "Jay" Tawes and his wife Debbie of Crisfield and David W. Tawes and his wife Cheryl of Crisfield; and his grandchildren, Jayna Tawes Grant and her husband Jacob of Crisfield, Jayson Tawes of Salisbury, and Megan Tawes, Patrick Tawes and Seth Tawes, all of Crisfield.

Along with his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Jimmie Lee Wilson.

A graveside funeral service, Masonic Memorial service and burial were held Monday, December 10, 2007 at 2 p.m. in Sunnyridge Memorial Park in Crisfield. The Rev. Dr. William Davis officiated.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are requested to be sent to Immanuel United Methodist Church Memorial Fund, c/o Robert H. Bradshaw, Jr. 306 W. Main Street or to Alice Byrd Tawes Nursing Home Building Fund, 201 Hall Highway, both Crisfield, Maryland 21817.

Arrangements were in the care of Bradshaw & Sons Funeral Home in Crisfield.