Charles Edgar "Chuck" Ensor, Jr.

Charles Edgar “Chuck” Ensor, Jr., 69, of Sparks, Maryland, passed away Thursday, December 12, 2024.  He was the devoted husband of the late Mary Ann (Hoffman) Ensor.

Born March 10, 1955, in Baltimore, MD, he was the son of the late Charles Edgar, Sr., and Marguerite V. (Mays) Ensor. He grew up on his family farm in Sparks and graduated from Hereford High School in 1973.

Chuck met his wife and the love of his life, Mary Ann, in the 9th grade. They married in 1974 and celebrated 42 years of marriage in 2016.  They were only apart once when Chuck traveled to North Dakota on a farm trip.  Chuck’s love for Mary Ann was unparalleled, and a huge part of him went with her the day she went to be with the Lord.

A lifelong grain farmer, Chuck operated his family farm, Cold Bottom Farms Inc., in northern Baltimore County, a farm that has been in his family since the early 19th century. Farming was his passion; he worked tirelessly and with unwavering dedication throughout his life.

In addition to his farming, Chuck was a Doebler’s Hybrids dealer for many years, receiving multiple accolades.  In 1985, he was awarded the Golden Salesmaster Award.  He received the Goal Getter Award in 1987, 1988, 1992, and 1995.  In 1989, he received the company’s “Grand Salesmaster Award,”  an honor only two seed dealers received in Doebler’s eight-state territory.  Later on, he became a T.A. Seeds Charter Dealer.

Chuck served on the USDA Farm Service Agency Baltimore County committee for 24 years and was a proud member of the Baltimore County Farm Bureau. Over the years, he was also a dedicated Baltimore County 4-H supporter, buying many animals at the 4-H Fair Livestock Auction, where he found joy in supporting youth involved in agriculture.

Chuck was also an avid antique collector.  His keen eye for rare and meaningful pieces reflected his appreciation for history. He loved the thrill of discovering hidden treasures, and his collection reflected his unique taste and passion for preserving the past.  He loved to tell the history and story behind his collections.

Known for his immense generosity, Chuck was always ready to lend a helping hand to those in need, whether it was through his time, resources, or kind words. He found joy in giving, and his kindness was felt by all who knew him.

One of his favorite titles was Joe Dirt, a nickname given to him by his oldest granddaughter because he always came home from the farm covered in dirt. The nickname stuck, and many people knew him by it.  He loved his grandchildren tremendously. He loved to hunt, fish, and be outdoors. Gator riding was a treasured pastime with his family. He loved to tell stories about his childhood, history, and memorable hunting trips to Texas and New Mexico. Chuck had a sense of humor like no one else, always having a witty comeback ready for whatever was said, and his jokes and laughter filled any room.

He was a member of Cedar Grove United Methodist Church for many years.

Chuck is survived by two daughters, Marcy Ann Franklin and her husband, Heath Joseph, and Christy Copenhaver and her husband, Benjamin; grandchildren, Noelani May and Izabella Leona Franklin, Cassandra Ann, Ethan Christopher, and Adan Benton Copenhaver; sister Carrie Kline (Sam), nephew Andrew Kline and niece Leigh Anne Kline.  He was preceded in death by his beloved brother, Christopher Eugene Ensor (1990).

A viewing will be held from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. and 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. on Friday, December 20, 2024, at Hartenstein Funeral & Cremation Care, Inc., 24 N. Second St., New Freedom, PA. Service and burial will be private. In honor of Chuck, guests are invited to attend in casual dress—please feel free to wear jeans, boots, or any comfortable clothing that reflects the spirit of his life.

A memorial “farm party” will held next year to celebrate his life.

Chuck will be greatly missed by his family, friends, and all who knew him.  His legacy of generosity, humor, and love will live on in the hearts of those he touched.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to Hereford High School, Ensor Scholarship Fund, reflecting his lifelong passion for agriculture. Contributions can be sent to Hereford High School, 17301 York Road, Parkton, MD 21120.