Thomas H. “Tom” Howard, age 81, a resident of Oliver Springs, went home to be with the Lord, Saturday, June 21, 2014, at his home, while surrounded by his family.
Mr. Howard was born April 14, 1933, in Darfork, Kentucky. At the age of 20, he enlisted into the United States Army, where he served our country for over 12 years. He was a crewman communication specialist and a expert rifleman sharpshooter (carbine). He was assigned to the Fourth Army in the 8th Artillery Division, and he served in the Korean war, receiving several medals, decorations, badges, ribbons, and citations.
Following his military discharge, he began employment with King Transport, hauling heavy equipment in 48 states and Canada. While working as a truck driver, he often served communion at truck stops for those away from home. At the age of 44, Tom began preaching the gospel. He preached in Kentucky and Ohio, primarily in the Lexington, Kentucky, area and he last preached for two years at Mt. Sterling, Kentucky.
Following his retirement, he moved to Oliver Springs, in 2002. His hobbies included fishing, bird watching, playing guitar, and listing to music.
Tom was preceded in death by his parents, Isaac Aaron Howard and Mary Elizabeth Randolph Howard; by a daughter, Juanita Cheryl Cromer; and by brothers, Darrell and Lonnie Howard.
He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Lela Wells Howard; by daughters, Patricia Howard and husband Steven Ahler of Lexington, Kentucky, Thomas H. Howard Jr. and wife Laurie, of New Philadelphia, Ohio, Barbara Palomino of Oak Ridge, and Sherry Marlow and husband James of Oliver Springs; by a son, Jason Howard of Oliver Springs, and by 11 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.
He is also survived by six sisters, Dola McGlothen of Battle Creek, Michigan, Annette Cody of Mt. Sterling, Kentucky, Mary Lois Helton of Mt. Sterling, Kentucky, Faith Cody and husband James of Mt. Sterling, Kentucky, Naomi Davis of Merritt, Texas, and Roseanna Toler and husband Charles of Warsaw, Kentucky; by brothers, Aaron Howard and wife Donna of Greenville, South Carolina, Timothy Howard of Somerset, Kentucky, Randy Howard and wife Cathy of Mt. Sterling, Kentucky, Bobby James “BJ” Howard and wife Sandy of Lexington, Kentucky, and Stephen Howard and wife Elaine of Stinnett, Kentuckyl and by several nieces, nephews, extended family members, the Marlow family, and his brothers and sisters at the Oliver Springs Church of Christ.
The family received friends Monday, June 23, between 6 and 8 p.m. at Sharp Funeral Home. The funeral follow at 8 p.m. in the funeral home chapel, with Aaron Howard and Bruce Holt officiating. Burial and graveside services, with full military honors, were held Tuesday, June 24, at 11:30 a.m. at the Tennessee Veterans Cemetery at 2200 East Gov. John Sevier Highway 168 in Knoxville.
Sharp Funeral Home is serving the Howard family, and a guest register book is available at www.sharpfh.com.
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