Werner L.
Gruber, Jr., 95
SALISBURY - Werner L. Gruber, Jr. peacefully died in his sleep on Sunday, December 20, 2020. He is survived by his loving wife, Carolyn Matthews Outten Gruber.
Born on January 29, 1925, Werner was the son of the late Grace Insley Gruber and Werner L. Gruber, Sr. He graduated from Nanticoke High School, Class of 1941 and attended Salisbury State College. After a decade of farming on land on the Nanticoke River originally settled by his great-grandfather, he began his professional career in 1952 with the Wayne Pump Company and for many years was the Manager of Distribution for Dresser Industries, retiring after over 40 years with the company. He was very active in the Salisbury and Wicomico County business community, serving at various times as President of the Salisbury Chamber of Commerce, the Salisbury-Wicomico Airport Commission during a period of expansion and modernization, the Board of Wor-Wic Community College, the local Board of AARP, and the Maryland State Chamber of Commerce. In 1984, Werner was appointed by Governor Harry Hughes to serve on the Maryland State Roads Commission and the Maryland Transportation Commission, with an active role in state-wide long-range planning for railroads, airports, seaports and highways. From 1969 – 1972, Werner taught Traffic and Transportation classes at the Delaware Technical & Community College in Georgetown, Delaware.
A devout man, Werner was a long-standing and faithful member of the congregation of Asbury United Methodist Church in Salisbury, and for many years taught Sunday school at the church.
Throughout his life, Werner enjoyed farming, boating, square dancing and fishing. He was a soft-spoken and gentle man quick to volunteer and help others, and was active with multiple charitable organizations.
He was a loving and attentive husband to his wife, who he married on September 19, 1999. Besides his wife, he is survived by step-children, Guy Mason Outten and his wife Becky, of St. Thomas USVI and Debora Outten McAllister and her husband, William W. (Sandy) McAllister, Jr., of Easton; five grandchildren, Mallory Barbara Outten Lexa (Patrick), Kelsey Mason Outten Honick (Jared), Joey Outten, Spencer Mason McAllister (Jordan), and Ian Max McAllister; and five great-grandchildren, Oliver, Luke, Mason, Banks and Jack; his sister, Elizabeth Gruber of Phoenix; a nephew, Larry Darby; and numerous nieces.
He was preceded in death by his father, Werner L. Gruber, Sr.; his mother, Grace Insley Gruber; and his brother, John Gruber.
Due to the pandemic restrictions, there will be no church service or reception at this time. A memorial service will be arranged in the future when it is safe to do so.
In lieu of flowers, a memorial contribution may be made to Asbury United Methodist Church, 1401 Camden Avenue, Salisbury, MD 21801 or Christian Shelter, 334 Barclay Street, Salisbury, MD 21804.
Arrangements are in the care of the Holloway Funeral Home in Salisbury.