Mr. Albert McCracken

Albert (Abe) Dorsey McCracken, age 94, passed away on August, 22, 2024. He was born to Darwin and Emma (Dorsey) McCracken. He was raised on a farm by his Uncle and Aunt, Morris Porter and Iona. He lived his 94 years at "Honey Dew Farm", named in reference to his beautiful late wife and soul mate, Margaret Moxley - honey do this, honey do that. At the age of 18, due to the war and shortage of teachers, he taught math at one of the local schools in Cooksville, MD. He served and retired from the Army National Guard with rank of Major. In 1995 Abe and several other farmers founded the "Howard County Antique Farm Machinery Club" whose mission is to preserve the farming heritage of Howard County, MD. Abe spent a good part of his life purchasing old farm machinery from across the United States to repair and preserve. For 18 years until 2023 The club managed the Howard County Living Farm Heritage Museum. The goal being to manage a farm heritage agri-tourism site. Abe spent many of those 18 years maintaining acres and acres of grass, educating old and young alike in the ways of agriculture, and contributing his expertise wherever he was needed. Farming; He was a farmer at heart and loved to grow his own vegetables. corn, potatoes, tomatoes, squash, peppers, just too many to name. Anyone passing by "Honey Dew Farm” was more than welcome to come pick what they needed. In later years he produced mostly tomatoes, each year claiming “these were the best.” He canned at least 50 quarts of tomato juice so he could have enough for the year (glass a day) and extra cases to share with friends. Abe loved to cook and had a rather large freezer for all the food he prepared. He would bake many tins of cookies and fruitcake to share with friends and for the museum visitors during the holidays. Abe had 3 sisters Margert, Mary, and Nacy all predeceased. He had no children but several nephews and nieces, Paticia Dougherty (deceased), Mike Dougherty, Stephen Burgess, Jimmy Burgess, Mark McMillan, Gary McMillan, Kathleen Floystad, and Kimberly Hertel; many great and great-great nephews and nieces and his very good friend Matt Lopez, although not family Matt was like family, caring and helping Abe when needed. Abe was a kind and gentle soul, always laughing and smiling, cracking jokes like his "forty bean joke". He leaves behind many, many beloved friends. He will be dearly missed. A wake will be held on Sunday, September 1st, 2024 from 2:00 to 5:00pm at Haight Funeral Home & Chapel, 6416 Sykesville Road, Sykesville where a funeral service will be held on Tuesday, September 3rd, 2024 at 10:00am. Interment Crest Lawn Memorial Gardens, Marriottsville. We will have a celebration of Abe at a future date. Everyone is welcome to join in. In lieu of flowers please donate to the organization of your choice. Online condolences may be made at www.haightfuneralhome.com

Mr. Albert McCracken

January 18, 1930 - August 22, 2024