Paul Edward Ertter, 87, of Damascus, MD, passed away on May 18, 2026.
Born in Washington, D.C. on May 11, 1939, he was the son of the late T. Frank and Gladys I. (Wells) Ertter.
Throughout his life Paul had a passion for all things related to cars, from racing to restoring to fixing. He was a mechanic by trade his whole life. Paul loved a good political debate and was an avid history buff.
Paul is survived by his loving wife of 67 years, Sally Ertter. Along with his wife, Paul is survived by his children, Laurie Watkins and husband, Daniel; Tammy Ertter; Michael Ertter and wife, Erica; and Scott Ertter and wife, Cheryl. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Kelly, Michael and wife, Katelynn, Braeden, Jackson, Reagan and Gabriella; and his great-grandchildren Sydney and Samuel. Paul leaves behind his lifelong friends and partners in crime, Penny Belt and Norbie Kaelin with instructions to carry on with the fun and mischief.
The family extends their appreciation to the Emergency Department staff at Frederick Health Hospital, with special thanks to Dr. MacFague and Nurse Maggie for their support and compassion during a very difficult time.
The family will receive friends on Wednesday, May 27th from 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM at Hilton Funeral Home, 22111 Beallsville Road, Barnesville, MD. Inurnment to follow at Boyds Presbyterian Church Cemetery, 19901 White Ground Rd, Boyds, MD 20841.
In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be made in his memory to the Damascus Volunteer Fire Department or the Alzheimer’s Association.
Visitation
Wednesday, May 27, 2026
11:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Hilton Funeral Home
22111 Beallsville Road
Barnesville, MD 20838
Inurnment
Wednesday, May 27, 2026
Following Visitation
Boyds Presbyterian Church Cemetery
19901 White Ground Road
Boyds, MD 20841
From: Jenni Nakamoto-Callan
Family,
I’m so sorry for your loss. We sure had a lot of fun with the sprint cars! I will always remember how much fun we had with Paul!
Much Love,
Jenni Nakamoto-Callan
From: Richard Miron
Dear Sally, Laurie, Tammy, Michael and Scott, Susan and I are sorry to hear of the passing of your Father, although we haven't seen him or your family in many years, living so far away and our advancing age made travel impossible. Over the years, we appreciated his sending us birthday cards. We remember your Dad as being bigger than life and someone that always filled the room with is presence, he was very funny and could hold a conversation on most any subject. We remember going to your home in Damascus and seeing his dragster in the driveway always an awesome sight. We will miss him. Love, Susan and Dick
From: Cindy Chace
Dear Ertter Family,
I am so sorry to hear of your father's passing.
He was a man with great love of sport cars, football and family.
The birthday gatherings at the home in Damascus were always a fun time for me. May God rest his soul and provide you all with eternal comfort.
From: The Hilton Family
Our deepest condolences to your family.