Kevin Redman

Kevin Wayne Redman, age 60, of Laurel, Maryland, passed away on January 5, 2026.

Kevin was born on October 9, 1965, in Washington, D.C., the son of Elza K. Redman Jr. and Charlotte May (Hiett) Redman. Kevin resided most of his life in Laurel, MD. He was preceded in death by his mother, Charlotte, who taught him the importance of service, mentorship, family, and showing up for the people who mattered most.

Kevin was known for his sharp mind, dry humor, and a perfectly timed sense of sarcasm. His wit leaned a little dark and a little clever, and he delivered it with such precision that you often didn’t realize you’d been teased until a moment later. If Kevin joked with you, it meant he cared, and if he didn’t, you probably just hadn’t earned it yet.

One of the greatest passions of Kevin’s life was his service with the Civil Air Patrol for 46 years. As a cadet, Kevin earned the General Carl A. Spaatz Award (#722), Civil Air Patrol’s highest cadet honor. As a senior member, reaching the rank of Lt Col, Kevin served in various positions at Maryland Wing Headquarters and was most recently the commander of the Howard Cadet Squadron. He was deeply committed to search and rescue missions, emergency preparedness, and community outreach. He especially loved the opportunity to teach and mentor others, sharing his knowledge and encouraging curiosity, preparedness, and service. Civil Air Patrol was more than volunteer work to Kevin; it was a place where his love of learning, discipline, and helping others came together.

After graduating from Johns Hopkins University with a degree in physics, Kevin spent his 36-year career at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center where he worked on missions that quite literally changed how we see the universe. He pushed the boundaries of what we know about space, most notably contributing to the servicing missions of the Hubble Space Telescope. Kevin’s work mattered to his sense of curiosity and exploration. What he built is something that outlasts him, orbiting quietly above the Earth and expanding how humanity sees the universe. In addition to his technical achievements, throughout his career, Kevin was a trusted leader and mentor. He was patient, methodical, and steady under pressure.

Kevin is survived by his father, Elza Redman, and his siblings, Keith Redman; Terri Taylor and her husband John Taylor; and Mark Redman and his wife Samantha Redman. He was a proud uncle to ten nieces and nephews: Jenna Nagoda, Matthew Taylor, Cody Taylor, Joni Nichols, Lucas Redman, Nicholas Redman, Cameron Redman, Gemma Hunt, Christopher Hunt, and Holly Redman. He cared deeply for his family and showed his love in his own way through loyalty, presence, and a running commentary that somehow always made things lighter.

Family and friends are invited to attend the visitation on Saturday, January 10, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at Donaldson Funeral Home, P.A., located at 313 Talbott Ave, Laurel, MD, 20707.

The funeral service will take place on Saturday, January 10, 2026, from 12:00 p.m. to 12:30 p.m., immediately following the visitation. Friends and family are welcome to gather for a reception following the service.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that memorial donations be made in Kevin Redman’s memory to Wreaths Across America – Civil Air Patrol Howard Cadet Squadron (Group ID: MD0014).

Kevin will be remembered for his intelligence, his dedication to service, and a sense of humor sharp enough to keep everyone honest. He would probably say this is all very nice, but also a bit much, and then suggest we wrap it up.

This obituary was lovingly written and submitted by the family.