David Brigham

Mr. David L. Brigham, 82, of Ashton, died Monday, Sept. 6, at Montgomery General Hospital, Olney.

He was the husband of Gladys Beall Brigham. They were married for 61 years.

Born Dec. 10, 1916, in Washington, he was a son of the late Reuben and Marjorie Snowden Brigham.

He graduated from Sherwood High School as president of his senior class. He later graduated from University of Maryland.

Mr. Brigham retired from the Department of Labor in 1989, where he was instrumental in establishing programs for people with disabilities.

He began government service with the Department of Agriculture before World War II and returned to work with agriculture in Missouri and Iowa after his military service.

From 1949 to 1967, he was director of alumni relations at University of Maryland. He also was a vice president of First National Bank of Maryland.

He was a highly-decorated veteran of World War II, serving in the Far East as a combat infantryman and press relations officer with the 40th Infantry Division.

He was a life member of Norman Price Post 68, American Legion, and was elected deputy commander of the American Legion in Maryland in 1954. Later, he served eight years as the Legion's national executive committeeman. He also served on the First Maryland Veterans Commission.

Mr. Brigham was a member of Oakdale Emory United Methodist Church for 50 years and had served as lay leader, district lay leader, teacher of lay speakers and chairman of the church's building program.

He was a member of Sandy Spring Volunteer Fire Department for over 50 years.

Surviving in addition to his wife are three children, David A. Brigham and wife Liz of Ashton, Julie Kolanowski and husband Rich of Ocean Pines, and Pat Spilman and husband Tom of Brookeville; one sister, Marjorie Miller of Barre, Vt.; seven grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.

The family will receive friends from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 10, at Oakdale Emory United Methodist Church Social Hall, 3425 Emory Church Road, Olney, where memorial services will begin at 11 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 11.

Interment will be private at Woodside Cemetery, Brinklow.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Oakdale Emory United Methodist Church Memorial Fund.

Arrangements are being handled by Muriel H. Barber Funeral Home, Laytonsville.