George William Howard

George William Howard George William Howard, 87, formerly of Sandycreek Twp., passed away at 10:40 a.m. on Sunday, March 21, 2010 at Sugar Creek Station following a lengthy illness. Born January 12, 1923, in Baltimore, Maryland, he was the son of the late John D. and Helen Barrett Howard. He was married to the love of his life, Ruth Louise Gealy. Mr. Howard was a World War II Veteran of the U.S.Army Allied Forces in Normandy, France. While serving in the military, he served as one of the first technicians to work on a new device, which later came to be known as "Radar". Following the war, he, his wife, and his first son, moved from the Baltimore, Maryland area to their home off the Pittsburgh Road. Bill Howard, as everyone knew him, was employed as a T.V. Serviceman for the Oliver Brothers Appliance Store in Oil City for more than 30 years. Bill was a devout Christian and a founding member of the Mount Carmel Church in Sandycreek Township. He served as a long-time church leader, assuming many roles over the years. Bill was a loving husband, and adored father, grandfather and great-grandfather and was dedicated to his family, his community and to his faith. He enjoyed gardening and handyman activities. He is survived by his three sons, H. Edward Howard and his wife, Maureen, of Chugiak, Alaska, Thomas A. Howard, Jr. and his wife, Joanne, of San Antonio, Texas, and Timothy D. Howard and his wife, Estrellita, of Cary, North Carolina. He is also survived by his loving nine grandchildren, James T. Howard of Chugiak, Alaska, Katherine D. Howard of Anchorage, Alaska, Michael Howard of San Antonia, Texas, Timothy Howard Jr. and his wife, Stephanie, of Chicago, Illinois, Todd Howard of Polk, J. J. Howard, Jordan Howard, Luke Howard, and Juan Jose Howard, all of Cary, North Carolina; and his great-grandchild, Tyler Howard of Polk. In addition to his children, and grandchildren, Bill is also survived by his two brothers, John D. Howard, Jr. and his wife, Rose, of Japatown, Maryland, and Ken Howard and his wife, Jeannie of Emmittsburg, Maryland; and his four sisters, Anna Ervin of Miami, Florida, Doris Frye of Baltimore, Maryland, Shirley Summers and her husband, Art of Baltimore, Maryland, and Joan Summers and her husband, David of Raleigh, North Carolina. Bill was preceded in death by his parents, his loving wife of 53 years; his grandson, Robert William Howard; and his brother, Edward D. Howard. Friends may call from 2 to 4 p.m. on Wednesday, March 24, 2010 at the Gardinier Funeral Home Inc., 1315 Chestnut Street, Franklin. Funeral Services for Bill will be held at 4:00 p.m. at the Funeral Home on Wednesday with the Rev. Walter (Bud) Anthony, of the Mount Carmel Church of Sandycreek Township, presiding. Interment will follow in Hickory Grove Cemetery. The family suggest that memorial contributions be made to the Mount Carmel Church, 1759 Pittsburgh Road, Polk, PA 16342. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.gardinierfuneralhome.com.