Omie Henry Gladden, Sr., 73, of Lexington Park, MD died February 24, 2007 in St. Mary's Hospital, Leonardtown, MD.

Born January 7, 1934 in Valley Lee, MD, he was the son of the late Charles Alexander "Charlie" Gladden and Mary Elizabeth "Biscoe" Bennett. Omie was educated in the public school system of St. Mary's County, Great Mills #1 School and Jarboesville School. Omie was a gifted carpenter having taken "shop" and Industrial Arts in secondary grades in Jarboesville. Omie was employed by St. Mary's County Housing, St. Mary's Disposal, Dyson Lumber and Supply, St. Mary's Board of Education and Lexwood Maintenance Department where he retired.

Omie met and married Mary Evelyn Woodland. Of this union 8 children were born.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by his children; Margaret Ann Woodland of Baltimore, MD, Jean Elizabeth Gladden Chase (Joe) of District Heights, MD, Mary Rita Gladden of Washington, DC, Dale Gregory Gladden, John Percy Gladden, William Patrick Gladden and Henry Omie Gladden, all of Washington, DC, Calvin Joseph Johnson, Crystal D. Mason, both of Callaway, MD, Jewelle L. Gladden, and Starelle J. Gladden, both of Mechancisville, MD, son-in-law; Leo Barrios, sister; Bertha M. Dukes (William) of Washington, DC, brother; Charles Samuel Gladden of Waldorf, MD, brother-in-law; Edward Allen Smith, dear and devoted companion, Darlene Fisher, several sisters-in-law, 23 grandchildren, 25 great-grandchildren, one great-great grandchild, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and other relatives and friends.

He is preceded in death by his daughter; Joyce Ann Gladden-Barrios, son; Ernest Omie Johnson, sisters; Roberta Gladys Bennett, Carrie Artimus Gladden, Elsie Nona Gladden, and Thelma Luvenia Gladden Smith, brothers; John Chauncey Bennett and Clarence Alexander Gladden.

Family received friends Thursday, March 01, 2007 from 10- 11:00 a.m. in Bethesda United Methodist Church, Valley Lee, MD, where the Funeral Service was conducted at 11:00 a.m. Reverend Irvin Beverly conducted the service. Interment followed in the church cemetery.

Serving as pallbearers were Terrance English, Samuel Montgomery, William Jordan, Leo Barrios, Joseph Chase, and Willie Anderson.

Arrangements by the Brinsfield Funeral Home, P.A., 22955 Hollywood Road, Leonardtown, MD 20650.