Howard Eugene Williams, 88, passed away on July 24, 2014 at his home in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
Howard (Howie to his friends and family) was born in Marion, Ohio on January 19, 1926, the oldest son of Dorothy Hord Williams and Ward Williams who preceded him in death.
He resided in Marion until moving to Florida in the early 1980’s later following his daughter and her family to New Mexico in 2000.
Howie is survived by his wife of 67 years, Jane Farley Williams currently of Albuquerque, New Mexico, his daughter Lori Williams Gorenflo and son-in-law Daryl Gorenflo of Albuquerque, New Mexico, grandchildren; Patrick Gorenflo and wife Melinda of Palm Bay, Florida, Christopher Gorenflo and wife Rachel of Albuquerque, New Mexico, Michael Gorenflo of Albuquerque, New Mexico, Megan Gorenflo McFadden and husband Patrick of Chicago, Illinois; his sister Mary Jane Ralston of Marion, Ohio, his brother James (Jim) Williams and wife Edna of Delaware, Ohio, two nieces and three nephews and 4 great-grandchildren.
Howard attended Marion Harding High School but left before graduating to serve in the U.S. Navy during WWII where he flew off aircraft carriers and served as an Aviation Ordnance Man, Third Class in the Pacific.
Howard returned to Marion and graduated from Harding in 1947 after serving his country as part of the “greatest generation”. He held several jobs but he is most remembered as being the owner/operator of Howie’s Garden Center. He eventually became the owner of Golf Courses of Iberia and moved to Palm Beach Gardens, Florida where he lived and worked until he retired in 1991.
Howard belonged to many organizations throughout his life. He was a member of Epworth Methodist Church during his youth and recently has been involved with Sagebrush Church of Albuquerque, NM.
He lived a full life and passed away peacefully while at rest. He loved people and enjoyed engaging in conversations, he didn’t know a stranger. His brother Jim summed it up, “he was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother and uncle… he was our hero.” The family is comforted by the fact that we will see him again when we reach our heavenly home.
It was Howard’s wishes to return to Marion for his final resting place. Arrangements are being made with Gunder/Hall and Folk Funeral Directors. A memorial is being planned for the second week in October, 2014. The memorial will be held at Gunder/Hall and Folk Funeral Home with interment immediately following the service at Marion Cemetery.
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