STRONG – Walter Sherman Howard Jr., age 57, died on Dec. 25, 2012 at his home in Strong after a long struggle with congestive heart failure and diabetes. His family was by his side and he has gone to rest with family and friends who have made the journey before him.
He was born on Oct. 21, 1955 in Avon, the son of Walter and Ella (Phillips) Howard Sr.. He lived his younger years in Phillips and attended schools in that area. On Sept. 28, 1979, he married Laura Searles, his wife of 33 years. Walter started his working life at the AG Store and Mitchell’s Hardware Store in Phillips. He then moved from the country and tried life in the Lewiston area where he worked at L & A Groceries for a short time. He then moved back to the country and worked at area lumber mills. Lastly, he worked at Karkos Service Station in Farmington.
He is survived by; his wife, Laura Howard of Strong; three sons, Clifford Howard Sr. And wife, Steph of Fort Drum, NY, Daniel Howard and wife, Kelly of Harrison, and youngest son Glendon Howard of Strong; six grandchildren, Brandon, Brianna, Jackie, Clifford Jr., Rhys, and Chace; his father, Walter Howard Sr.; his brother, Cecil Howard Sr of Farmington; three half-sisters; three half-bothers; and many more family and friends.
He was predeceased by; his mother, Ella Howard; and his grandparents.
He will be greatly missed by us all, but we are happy that his suffering is over. It has been a very long road for him and his family. The family would like to thank the employees of Franklin Memorial Hospital and Franklin Area Family Health for everything they did for them along this long journey.
Well wishes may be sent to Laura and Glendon Howard, 173 Chandler Road, Strong, ME 04983. At Walter’s request, there will be no services. He wants people to celebrate his life, not his death.
Arrangements are under the care and direction of Dan & Scott’s Cremation & Funeral Service, 488 Farmington Falls Road, Farmington, ME 04938.
Laura
We are so sorry for your loss but know his suffering and pain is gone now. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. RIP Walter
Walter was a great man. He was a loving father and husband. I will miss seeing him at Glendon’s games. He loved cheering on the teams. I know he will be there in spirit right along with Bob Mecham (his best friend and my step Dad). I hope they have met up and are enjoying some good laughs. They certainly made us laugh a lot over the years. Laura, Glendon, Clifford, and Danny stay strong and know that we are all here for you. Love to you all.
Dear Laura and Glendon, I send my deepest sympathys to you both and even though I dont know his pther sons I include them as well. My you find pease that his suffering is over but the loss of a parent , husband, family member and friend is hard to deal with no matter the circumstances. May you all find strengh in the arms of your family and friends> God be with you all. Sincerely Janice
Our sincere condolences Laura, Glendon and families. He enjoyed his life as much as his body would let him,and Glendon and you were his life.Take care and if we can help Please let us know.R.I.P. Buddy.
Laura,Glendon,Clifford and Dan
My heart goes out to you all as we all know he is never going to suffer he will be up there with all his family and friends that went before him they was there to great him to a world of no pain no growing older no sickness any more. As Lisa said hope Bob met up with walter and are enjoying some good laughs as they sure did make us all laugh over the years there are some memories of us going camping many times I will never forget. Remember memories are one thing that no one will ever ever take frome us. We are all here for you. Love you guys
Walter you will be missed by us both we all had alot of good times,especially with you helping Steve with blackgold, you were a big part of the getting ready, babysitting the truck when no one was around.Calling Steve during the day while he was driving.Keeping the right tire pressure for Steve. It was a good time ,even when you didn`t feel good you pushed and came to the pulls.You were such a special friend and Buddy to Steve,we will miss the jokes and laughs.There so many special memories with you Laura ,and Glendon, I1m glad you are comfortable now. Walter rest in peace our dear friend.Also my co workers send there condolences to you all.Start your engine WALTER!!!
Laura and family,so sorry for your loss.May he R.I.P
My sympathies to you all.
Laura, We are so very sorry for your loss. We know that you miss him terribly, but know that he is now no longer in any pain. Please let us know if you need anything.
My thoughts and prayers are with all the family. Walter I am so glad I got to know you. You will be missed! RIP my friend!
Laura, Cliff, Dan and Glendon,
Our thoughts are with you during this sad time. Walter will be missed by many. Gather strength from your memories and the knowledge that he is not suffering.