Walter D. Howard

HOWARD, ARMSTRONG, MIROCK, GREENWOOD, FRITY, COX

Posted By: Treva Patterson (email)
Date: 8/8/2006 at 12:29:59

Winterset Madisonian
June 24, 1953

WALTER HOWARD TAKES OWN LIFE

Found Near Death in Field South of Winterset Early Thursday

Walter D. Howard, a well-known Winterset resident, took his own life Thursday.

Mr. Howard was discovered early last Thursday morning in a field along Middle river near the lower city park by Dale Mapes, who had gone to the field to cultivate corn. He was still alive when discovered by Mapes. But his death occurred before Sheriff C. A. Letz could arrive at the scene, less than a half hour later.

County Coroner Paul Eggleston was called and officially reported the death as probably suicide.

Mr. Howard was a native of Butler county, Missouri, where he was born July 3, 1894, a son of William A. and Anna Howard. He had been a resident of Madison county for many years, living near Peru before coming to Winterset. He was 59 years of age at his death.

He was united in marriage to Vada Armstrong on Dec. 3, 1916. They were the parents of five children, all of whom survive. The wife and mother preceded him in death. His second marriage to Beulah Cox occurred Dec. 4, 1948.

He is survived by his wife; three sons, Norman, Richard and Frederick Howard; two daughters, Mrs. Jeanne Mirock and Mrs. Frances Greenwood; eight grandchildren; a brother, Brian Howard of Lincoln, Nebr.; and a sister, Mrs. Leta Frity of Kansas City, Mo.

Funeral services were held Sunday from the Richards Funeral home, conducted by the Rev. Glenn Parrott, pastor of the Winterset Methodist church. Burial was made in the Winterset cemetery.