Elbridge Warren Cropper “Newt”, age 83, died on Wednesday, August 24, 2022 at Coastal Hospice at the Lake in Salisbury. Born in Bishopville, he was the youngest son of Warren and Millie Cropper. He is survived by his wife Karen, and children, John Lester “JL” Cropper of Ocean City, Mark Cropper and his wife Susan, of Ocean City, and Stacia Cropper of Berlin. There are three grandchildren, Spencer, Drake and Caroline, and one great-grandchild, Riggs. Also surviving is former wife, Amanda Cropper, mother of his children. Preceding him in death was a brother Elisha Cropper and sister Christine Cropper Rayne.

Newt was a graduate of Stephen Decatur High School, and served four years in the United States Coast Guard where he was a tug boat Captain. For fun he competed in boat docking contests with his 40 foot bay boat. He later became very active, in politics in the Ocean City area. He and former wife Amanda bought the Midway Shopping Center in 1960, where they owned and operated the Ocean City Paint Store for 30 years. He was a member of the Ocean City Lions Club, Ocean City Volunteer Fire Company, served as President of the Ocean City Council, President of the Worcester County Board of Education, and President of the Maryland Retriever Club. He loved his Labrador retrievers that he bred, trained and competed, finishing over 13 field champions and amateur field champions. Two of which were inducted into the Retriever Hall of Fame. Newt was generous with his time and knowledge, helping others train their dogs to be successful.

A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, August 31st, at 12:00 pm at the Burbage Funeral Home in Berlin. Pastor Mack Palmer will officiate. Friends may call one hour prior to the service. A donation in his memory may be made to: The OC Paramedic Foundation, Inc, P.O. Box 3099, Ocean City MD 21843 or the Bird Dog Foundation Inc, P.O. Box 774, 505 W. Highway 57, Grand Junction, TN, 38039, or Coastal Hospice, P.O. Box 1733, Salisbury, MD 21804. Letters of condolence may be sent via: www.burbagefuneralhome.com