File:John B. Funk Family 1947.jpg

Summary

The John B. Funk family poses in front of the family home at 13 East A Street, circa 1947. The finely crafted Victorian house was built by Mr. Funk's father Harry in 1905.

From left are 1st wife Doris, who passed away in 1953, John Funk, Anne, William and Demory.

John B. Funk had a long career as a public servant, a term he asked his family to chisel on his tombstone. A 1922 graduate of Brunswick High School, he was Brunswick City Engineer for years overseeing historic building projects in town. He represented Frederick County as a Democrat in the General Assembly, first in the House of Delegates from 1935 to 1938; and then in the state Senate, from 1939 to 1946. Mr. Funk was named Maryland Secretary of State in 1947 by Gov. William Preston Lane.

For eight years during the 1950s, he was chief engineer for Baltimore County before being named chairman of the Maryland State Roads Commission by Gov. J. Millard Tawes.

During Mr. Tawes’ administrations from 1959 through 1966, Mr. Funk directed every major highway project in Maryland, including the Baltimore Beltway, and oversaw the opening of Interstate 95.

After retiring from public service in 1967, Mr. Funk spent several years as an engineering consultant.

Described by his family as outgoing and gentle, Mr. Funk loved to fish on the Potomac River. He was also a 50-year member of the Masonic Lodge.

(Photo courtesy of Mindy Niles from the Duane Smith Collection and the City of Brunswick MD History Commission)