On May 24, 2016, Heavens portals were opened for the homecoming of the beloved patriarch of our family, Bill Howard- he was 95. Loved by all who knew him, he cared for others more than himself.
Bill was born to Glenn Augustus and Beulah Farr Howard in Hettinger, North Dakota, the eldest of three children. As a boy he loved hiking the prairie hills with his grandmother Howard and listening to grandmother Farr’s stories of adventure while feasting on a slice of her fresh hot bread. He was raised in an atmosphere where church was “bed-rock” to the family and was baptized at age 10. He was a devout Christian and could be counted upon when Christian duty required it.
The Howard family moved to Billings in 1936, where dad completed high school in 1938. Following school he went to work at the Home Bakery in Billings, eventually becoming skilled as a master cake decorator, a talent he enjoyed and used all his life.
One week after Pearl Harbor was hit, dad married the love of his life, Della Bernice Fowlkes-They were married 74 years. Bill enlisted in April of 1942, in the U.S. Navy and for three and a half years was stationed aboard the U.S.S. Sabine. He saw numerous enemy action, in five major campaigns in the Pacific and like so many of his comrades and shipmates, wound up anchored in Tokyo Bay, at the signing of the “terms of surrender,” by Japan.
At wars-end, dad came home to Billings, enrolled at Eastern Montana College receiving a diploma in 1949. That same year, he moved his young family to Brockton, MT for his first teaching assignment. In 1953, while working toward an M.A. he assumed the superintendent position for the Brockton schools. In 1958, he accepted the top job for the Colstrip School District. In 1960, he was appointed to the staff of the Dept. of Public Instruction in Helena; and for 22 years was a faithful public steward acting on behalf of First Nations children, school lunches, and veteran’s education. He retired in 1982.
Dad and mother shared retirement together with travel, outings at the cabin, shipmate reunions, family and church gatherings. He loved helping others – his “gift” was making someone feel important. He will be remembered for his love of country and his gentle kindness.
He is preceded in death by his parents, his sister Bette Howard Chyle, Brother-in-law John Chyle, infant son Billy Oster Howard, and grandchild Penny Eidum. He is survived by his brother Glenn Earl (Sandra) Howard of Brush, CO, his beloved wife Della Bernice; Sons; Don (Charlene) Howard, of Helena, James (Gayle) Howard of Helena, Glenn (Meredith) Howard of Missoula; daughter Myrna England of Helena; seven grandchildren: Annah Howard, Lacey Howard, Paul Eidum, Kelly Howard, Kory Howard, Jason Howard, and Ben Howard; 11 great-grandchildren and Five great-great-grandchildren.
A service celebrating William’s life will be held at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, June 1st at the Church of the Nazarene, 117 Valley Drive, Helena. A military honors service will take place at the Montana State Veterans Cemetery following the service with a reception following the burial in the social hall back at the church. Please visit below to offer a condolence to the family or to share a memory of William.
The Family is deeply grateful for the wonderful assistance and care given dad this past year by: Cindy Garza and the Ft. Harrison Medical staff; the Rocky Mtn. Hospice staff; and to Shelby Cleavland and her outstanding team at the Shelby House. All of these caring individuals deserve our gratitude for all they did for dad.
Those so choosing can make memorial gifts in Bill Howard’s name toward the Nazarene missions work at Vanuatu and/or Tonga. The Helena Nazarene Church can assist with these memorials.
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
11:00 a.m.
Wednesday June 1, 2016
Church of the Nazarene
117 Valley Drive
Helena , Montana 59601
Military Honors
Following the service
Wednesday June 1, 2016
Montana State Veterans Cemetery
Hero's Road
Fort Harrison, Montana
Reception
Following the Military Honors
Wednesday June 1, 2016
Church of the Nazarene
117 Valley Drive
Helena , Montana 59601
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
11:00 a.m.
Wednesday June 1, 2016
Church of the Nazarene
117 Valley Drive
Helena , Montana 59601
Military Honors
Following the service
Wednesday June 1, 2016
Montana State Veterans Cemetery
Hero's Road
Fort Harrison, Montana
Reception
Following the Military Honors
Wednesday June 1, 2016
Church of the Nazarene
117 Valley Drive
Helena , Montana 59601
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Dan Sullivan says
I was Bill’s neighbor on Silverette Street for several years. He was wonderful to visit with. An interesting and kind and gentle man. One of our country’s greatest generation. My condolences to the family. – Dan Sullivan
Misty Hammerbacker says
I will always remember the love he showed all. Loved hearing him play the saw. Loved his hugs and smiles. GOD be with you all. Treasure the memories
Brenda says
I remember Bill’s smile as you entered the church (he was a greeter). My best memory of Bill will be hearing him play the saw, I had never heard someone play the saw and I haven’t heard anyone else play since.
Sharon and Lanny Fred & Family says
Bill was our neighbor on Silverette until we moved in 1980. He has always been in our hearts as he was a caring and generous person always interested in all of us. We have corresponded with him and Bernice especially through Christmas cards in recent years and it was always a joy to read his cards and see how he and Bernice were doing. We have lots of memories of he and Bernice and Myrna, Jim, Glen and Don. We will truly miss him and hope to stay connected with the family. Blessings to all you. Love, Lanny, Sharon, Chuck, Vicki and Lance
Cathy Dawe says
I send my deepest sorrow to your family in the loss of your husband, dad, grandfather & great grandfather. God bless your family. Cathy Schneckloth Dawe