Harold W. Howard

Harold W. Howard, 95, fortified with the Sacraments of Holy Mother Church, passed away peacefully, his family at his bedside.

Beloved husband of the late Eileen Howard (nee O’Donnell); dearest father of Mary Beth (Ken) Braunfeld, Tom (Chris) Howard, Ann (Tom) Yeager, Mike (Kathryn) Howard, and John Howard. Cherished grandfather of Kathryn, Maggie (Alex), Bridget, Michael (Stephanie), Joe, Caroline, Claire (Julian), John (Alissa), Audrey (Carson), Daniel, and Kevin. Proud great-grandfather of Oliver and Andrew. Dear brother-in-law, uncle, cousin, and friend.

Born May 23, 1931, to the late Vivian (nee Hill) and Daniel J Howard, Harold grew up on McRee and Castleman Avenues in St. Louis with his two brothers, Dean and Terry. He graduated from Roosevelt High School in 1949. After graduation, he enlisted in the Coast Guard where he served aboard the icebreaker USCGC Northwind during the Korean War era. After the service, he came back to St. Louis and earned his Geological Engineering degree at Washington University. He was the 1957 recipient of the Ernest L. Ohle, Jr. Prize, awarded annually to the Outstanding Senior in Geological Engineering. He worked at the Defense Mapping Agency (currently the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency) on South Broadway for over 38 years.

Harold met Eileen on a blind date, and they were married a few short months later, on November 26, 1960. They moved to Lemay where they built a life together and remained in the same home for 63 years. They were active parishioners at St. Bernadette Parish. A convert to Catholicism, Harold’s devotion to his faith was the foundation on which his adult life was built. He sang in the choir, was a member of the 50+ Club, and captained the White House Retreat Team for many years.

Harold was a devoted father and grandfather. He was a hands-on dad who took an active role in his children’s lives. He coached several athletic teams, was Assistant Scout Master, kitchen table math tutor, frustrated driving instructor, and backyard game designer. He dabbled in painting and sculpting, and he rescued many an art project for both his children and grandchildren. He was a master tinkerer and could create something out of nothing to entertain the grandkids for hours on end. He loved the outdoors, and in particular, fishing, swimming, golfing, and tennis.

Harold was dearly loved and will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

Visitation Monday, June 22nd 4:00-8:00pm at Ziegenhein & Sons, 4830 Lemay Ferry Road. A Funeral Mass will be held on Tuesday, June 23rd at 11:00am at St. Mark Catholic Church, 4220 Ripa Ave., St. Louis, Missouri, 63125. Interment at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery immediately following.

In lieu of flowers, contributions to the Greater St. Louis Honor Flight, or the St. Mark Society of St. Vincent de Paul are appreciated.