John Thomas (Jack) Howard 1921 to 2009

HOWARD, VANDER LINDEN, MILLER

Posted By: James Mincks (email)
Date: 11/26/2009 at 16:17:39

Services for John (Jack) Thomas Howard, 88, who died Friday, November 20, 2009, will be held 1:30 p.m., Tuesday, December 1, 2009 at the First United Methodist Church in Indianola with burial following in the I.O.O.F. Cemetery in Indianola.

John Thomas Howard was born on April 2, 1921 in Grimes, Iowa, the son of Orville S. Howard and Gretchen K. (Vander Linden) Howard. John attended high school in Spring Hill. After graduation, John moved to northwest of Indianola in 1936, and left Indianola to be in the United States Navy in 1940. John served as a Chief Shipfitter for the United States Navy for 20 years. He was in World War II and the Korean War where he then retired from active duty as a Chief Petty Officer and was a Reserve Officer until 1970. John also worked for Armstrong Tire for 15 and a half years as a mechanic.

John and Barbara Miller were united in marriage on October 17, 1953. He and Barbara returned to Indianola that same year. John and Barbara raised a son and two daughters; Jo Ellen (Roger) Husted, John Howard Jr., and Mari Anna Howard. They lived in rural Indianola before moving into Indianola. Upon his retirement he and his wife loved to travel and spend time with his church family. John was also a member and commander of the American Legion, Quarter Master of the local V.F.W. and F.R.A. Along with his daughters, brother Keith Howard of Indianola, IA, his dear friend June Lee; six grandchildren and twenty-one great-grandchildren, and six great-great-grandchildren. John was preceded in death by his wife of 49 years, his son John Howard Jr., parents Orville and Gretchen Howard and sister Myrna Ohl.

John's family would like to thank his many friends and fellow veterans for their loving help over the last few months. The family would also like to thank the community for years of love and compassion for John and the Howard family. John has always cherished the Armed Forces and would like to again thank all the members who have served and who are actively serving now.

Visitation will be held from 5 to 7 p.m., Monday, November 30 at Peterson Funeral Home where family will be present to greet friends. Memorial contributions may be given in his name to Camp Wesley Woods or Indianola V.F.W. Post #4213. Online condolences may be made at www.petersonfunerals.com

Des Moines Register, Thursday, Novenber 26, 2009, Metro Section, page 6B, column 1.