Albert "Rabbi" Columbus Shorter, 84 of Leonardtown, MD passed away on September 11, 2011 in Leonardtown, MD. Born February 1, 1927 in Drayden, MD, he was the son of the late Albert L. and Fannie Mae Hammett Shorter.

Albert is survived by his loving wife Mary Louise Shorter whom he married on July 27, 1989 in Leonardtown, MD.

Albert is also survived by his daughter; Kim Hicks (Jack), and step-son Danny Goode. Albert is also survived by his brothers; Andrew Shorter, and Charles Shorter, grandchildren; Michael T. Langley, Jr. (Traci), Amanda R. Langley (Jeff), Angel M. Owens, Stacy L. Goode (Alvaro), Brian Goode (Ann), and Darrell Goode (Laura), as well as great-grandchildren; Owen M. Langley, Jayden D. Holt, Alexis Goode, Lacy Goode, Miranda Goode-Guerra, Brooke, and Brittany.

Albert was preceded in death by his siblings; Rose Saunders, Mae T. Thomas, Alice Henderson, Laura Purcell, John L. Shorter, Thomas Shorter, and Richard Shorter.

Albert was a lifelong resident of St. Mary's County. He entered the U.S. Army in 1954 and served until 1956, he was stationed in Germany, and received the Good Conduct Medal. After service, Albert went on to work as a Natural Resources Police retiring in 1989 after 33 years of service. Upon retirement, Albert enjoyed traveling, being outdoors, going to bingo, and spending time with his family.

The family will receive friends Wednesday, September 14, 2011 from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM in the Mattingley-Gardiner Funeral Home, P.A., Leonardtown, MD with prayers recited at 7:00 PM. A Funeral Service will be held on Thursday, September 15, 2011 at 10:00 AM in St. George's Episcopal Church, Valley Lee, MD with Reverend Greg Syler officiating. Interment will follow in the church cemetery. Pallbearers will be; Michael Langley, Jr., Jack Hicks, Jeff Owens, Brian Goode, Darrell Goode, and Alvaro Guerra. Honorary pallbearers will be; Albert's Great-Grandchildren and the Natural Resource Police.

Memorial contributions may be in Albert's memory to the St. George's Episcopal Church, P.O. Box 30, Valley Lee, MD 20692 and/or Hospice of St. Mary's, Inc., P.O. Box 625, Leonardtown, MD 20650.

Arrangements provided by the Mattingley-Gardiner Funeral Home, P.A., Leonardtown, MD.