Bernard Arnold " Bernie" Doepkins, Sr., 81, of Chaptico, MD and formerly of Harwood, MD died Saturday, October 17, 2009 at St. Mary's Nursing Center in Leonardtown, MD after a lengthy illness. Born on February 20, 1928, he was the son of the late Elizabeth and Henry Doepkens.

Bernie grew up in Anne Arundel County and graduated from Annapolis High School. In his younger years he had a pilot license and enjoyed flying. He spent most of his life as a farmer and a tobacco buyer and for several years he ran the tobacco warehouse at Wayson's Corner until his retirement in 1998.

He was the husband of Lucille Bailey Doepkens for almost 25 years. In 2004 he and Lucille left Harwood and moved to Chaptico and enjoyed the peace and quiet of the beautiful home on the Wicomico River.

He is survived by his wife, Lucille, his sons, Bernard A. Doepkens, Jr., Martin L. Doepkens and his daughter Ruth Ann Scheler (Dave) all of Harwood, MD. His Step-children Carol Ann Hall (Satch) and Jean Wathen (Mike) of Chaptico, Jay Farr (Rita) of Leonardtown and Mike Farr (Mary) of Mechanicsville as well as eleven grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.

He is also survived by a sister, Mary Helen Scible of Davidsonville, MD. He was predeceased by siblings, Clara, Alma, Theresa, William and Mathias.

Bernie was a "True Gentleman", kind and caring. He enjoyed playing cards, traveling on bus trips where he made many friends, wildlife of any kind, spending time with his great-grandchildren and special friends, Ann & Ray Finley and former daughter-in-law Kathy Doepkens.

The family will receive friends on Wednesday, October 21, 2009 from 5:00PM - 8:00 PM in the Mattingley-Gardiner Funeral Home chapel where prayers will be recited at 7:00PM. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated on Thursday, October 22, 2009 at 10:00AM in Sacred Heart Catholic Church with Fr. Francis Early officiating. Interment will follow in the church cemetery. Pallbearers will be Bradley Doepkens, Kevin Hall, Joe Farr, David Farr, Michael Wathen and Jack Tippett.

Contributions may be made to the Seventh District Volunteer Rescue Squad, P.O. Box 7, Avenue, MD 20609.

Arrangements provided by Mattingley-Gardiner Funeral Home.