Fred Wilbur Howard
Fred Wilbur Howard In Loving Memory Fred passed away Tuesday, June 1, 2010, in St. John’s Hospital after a short illness. His family was at his bedside. He was born in Spokane, Mo., January 19, 1937, the son of Elsie and Seamon Howard. He married Marilee Howard, December 23, 1961. He spent many years working for Springfield City Utilities. He retired in 1997. After retirement he really started living his life. Fred and Marilee were avid travelers and enjoyed spending time driving their RV across the country. They enjoyed fishing at area lakes and Roaring River State Park. He also was a very supportive fan of the MSU basketball teams. Fred was always a family man; he lived for his family and would do anything for them. He enjoyed his grandchildren immensely and cherished the time he spend with them. Fred was an active member of Hamlin Memorial Baptist church for thirty-three years. He enjoyed the fellowship and friends that he had there. He maintained the church vans and provided transportation for church functions. Fred is survived by wife, Marilee Howard; daughters, Mary Blackburn and spouse James Blackburn of Springfield, Mo., Glenna Rutan and spouse James Rutan of Dallas, Texas, Winnie Akabane of Kansas City, Mo.; grandchildren, Amber Blackburn, Caitlyn Blackburn, Gabby Rutan, Matthew Rutan, and Andrew Lam. He is also survived by brothers, John and Delbert Howard; and sister-in-law, Josephine Howard. He was preceded in death by infant daughter, Julie Howard; son-in-law, Brian Akabane; his brother, Huston Howard, and both his parents. We would like to say a special thanks to the nurses in MICU at St. John’s Hospital as well as the doctors who cared for him during his stay. In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be made to the transportation fund at Hamlin Memorial Baptist Church or to the St. John’s Cancer Center. Visitation will be held at Greenlawn Funeral Home North on Thursday June 3, 2010, 6 to 8pm. The memorial Service will be held in Hamlin Memorial Baptist at 2 p.m. on Friday, June 4, 2010.