Howard Wilmer Sterling, 92, of Crisfield, passed away at Shore Health & Rehab Center in Parksley, Virginia, on Saturday, August 15, 2026.

Born at home in Crisfield on May 31, 1934, he was the son of the late Wilmer Tubman Sterling and Annie Phoebe Daugherty Sterling.

Howard was a 1952 graduate of Crisfield High School. He served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War Era, and also served in the U.S. Coast Guard Reserves.

He worked at the former A&P Grocery in his younger years, and later became a Maryland State Trooper, a career in which he served for 23 years before retiring. Considered a legendary trooper by those who knew him, Howard influenced and mentored many troopers throughout his career. Following retirement, he worked alongside Craig Stevens with Stevens Marine Construction.

Howard was active in his community and was a member of Crisfield Elks Lodge #1044. He enjoyed woodworking and carving, creating decoys, tables, lamps, and many other pieces. He also had a great love of hunting.

He is survived by his wife of 24 years, Betty Lou Sterling of Crisfield; daughter, Susan Crocetti (Gene Crocetti) of Parkton, Maryland; step-son, Steven Daniel (Terry Brown) of Port Orange, Florida; grandchildren, Gene Crocetti of Baltimore City, Alex Crocetti of New York City, and Anastasia Kordas (Matthew Kordas) of West Palm Beach, Florida; great-grandchildren, Isabella Kordas and Harper Kordas; niece and nephew, Connie Windsor (Jerry), and Freddie Nelson (Lisa Lord), all of Crisfield; great-nephews, Kris Nelson of Washington, DC and Ryan Nelson of Stuart, FL; first cousin, Coulbourne Swift of Marion Station; and special friend, Bobby Lankford of Mt. Vernon.

Along with his parents, he was preceded in death by a daughter, Barbara Sterling; and a sister, Faye Elizabeth Nelson.

There will be no services at his request. Urn interment will be in Sunnyridge Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Howard's memory may be made to Crisfield Elks Lodge #1044, P.O. Box 307, Crisfield, MD 21817.