John D. Howard, 92

John D. Howard, 92, died on March 21, 2009, at Wedgewood Gardens Assisted Living in Branson West, Missouri where he lived for six years.

John was born Sept. 10, 1916, in Elliott, the son of William and Hope Martha (Thomas) Howard. He was known most of his life as Donald.

Donald served over 20 years in the U.S. Navy in Submarine Service. He served in two campaigns, World War II and the Korean War where he received two Letters of Commendation for Meritorious Service and numerous campaign ribbons and medals.

After retiring from the U.S. Navy, Donald worked for the Griswold Co-op Telephone Company for 23 years. Upon retirement from the telephone company he lived in Boulder City, Nev. and Mesa, Ariz. He was a member of the Submarine Veterans of WWII, the Masonic Lodge, Veterans of Foreign Wars and the Elks Lodge.

Donald was preceded in death by his parents; brother: Leon Howard; son: Jerry Dean Howard; and wife: Velma Howard.

Survivors include his daughter: Sandra (James) Stephenson of Reeds Spring, Mo.; two sons: John (Debbie) Howard of Hot Springs Village, Ark. and Bill Howard of Los Angeles, Calif.; two granddaughters; five grandsons; two great-granddaughters; two great-grandsons; two sisters-in-law: Berniece Guffey of Villisca, and Lucile Howard of Clearfield, Utah.

Graveside memorial services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on May 2 at the Hillside Cemetery in Elliott, with Rev. Terry McClain officiating.

Nelson-Boylan-LeRette Funeral Chapel is in charge of arrangements.