Kenneth Edward "Ken" Krantz, Sr.

Kenneth Edward “Ken” Krantz, Sr., 84, of Mount Airy, passed away on January 07, 2026.

Ken was born on October 10, 1941 in Frederick. He was the son of Henry C. “Bill” Krantz, Jr. and Ruth E. (Day) Krantz.

Ken spent his youth years in Mount Airy. Around 1955, he and his family moved to Myersville. Ken was a 1959 graduate of Middletown High School. Ken often came to Mount Airy in his teenage years to help his four grandparents on their farm.

After graduating high school, Ken enlisted in the United States Navy, with active service beginning on September 15, 1959. He served three years of active service. A lot of his service occurred on the USS Fremont. His active service concluded in Norfolk, VA on October 9, 1962. He was honorably discharged from reserve duties on September 14, 1965.

On February 10, 1962, in Hagerstown, Ken married Thelma M. Lindsay. Two children (Debra K. Krantz and Kenneth E. Krantz, Jr.) were born to this marriage.

Ken and Thelma initially settled into the Norfolk/Portsmouth area of Virginia until the conclusion of his active naval service. They would spend the next 25 years in Annapolis before returning to Mount Airy.

Ken worked as an Electronic Engineer and Electronic Technician for Electro International, Honeywell, and Litton.

He was active in scouting for many years. Starting as a Scout in his youth to later becoming a scoutmaster and received the prestigious silver beaver award.

He will always be remembered for his love of model trains, tractors, the band Grateful Dead, and his many other treasures.

Ken was preceded in death by his wife Thelma on July 12, 2023; his daughter Debra Steward on April 2, 2020; and his uncle Joseph R. Krantz (whom he was very close to) on February 14, 1957.

Ken is survived by his son Ken (Judy) Krantz, Jr. of Crownsville; his son-in-law William B. Steward of Sterling, VA; three grandsons Joseph Krantz, Adam Krantz, and Patrick Steward; two step grandsons Jess (Anna) Jacobson and Seth Jacobson; two step great grandsons Rowan and Kiernan; his sister Beverly Richardson; his brother-in-law Alex (Sue) Lindsay; niece Julia (Jorge) Inestroza, great niece Laura Inestroza, and numerous additional nieces and nephews; good friend Malcolm McGilvery; and other relatives and friends.

The family will receive friends Tuesday, January 13, 2026 from 11 Am to 1PM at BURRIER-QUEEN FUNERAL HOME AND CREMATORY, P.A., 1212 West Old Liberty Rd. Sykesville, MD 21784

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to The Historical Society of Mount Airy, MD (https://www.historicalsocietyofmountairymd.org/ (https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.historicalsocietyofmountairymd.org/&sa=D&source=editors&ust=1767751071206345&usg=AOvVaw0emvZHo-UgOdgcY97UFIXh) then click “about us” and “donate;” or P.O. Box 244, Mount Airy, MD 21771) or The Tuckahoe Steam and Gas Association (https://tuckahoesteam.org/ (https://www.google.com/url?q=https://tuckahoesteam.org/&sa=D&source=editors&ust=1767751071206539&usg=AOvVaw0-CF_2i84jrXA48OFBuYVs) and click “donate”).

Private interment will be at the Pine Grove Cemetery in Mount Airy.

Online condolences at www.Burrier-Queen.com.