LTC Gordon Howard, United States Army, Ret.

Gordon Howard passed away on April 26, 2012 in Temple, Texas at the age of 88.

Gordon proudly served his country in the United States Army for many
years, retiring with the rank of Lt. Colonel.  He lived many years in Arizona, before moving to Belton, Texas where his daughter lives.







During his years in Arizona, Gordon was a dedicated volunteer at the Glendale Library.  He was highly respected by all who knew him there, and is remembered for his smile, his hugs and his witty tales.

Graveside services were held on May 1 at the Texas State Veterans Cemetery at Killeen, Texas.  In attendance were the Patriot Guard Riders who formed a line of American flags around the committal shelter during the service.

A "cowboy" preacher spoke of Gordon's life and how he loved everything about Texas, and said the final prayers.

The Army Honor Guard rendered full military honors.  The detail of five rifles fired three volleys of fire, representing Duty, Honor and Country.  The bugler played taps.

The flag that draped the casket was folded into a tight triangle and ceremoniously passed to an Army Officer, who presented it to Gordon's daughter on behalf of a grateful nation and the United States Army as a token of appreciation for Gordon's honorable and faithful service.

LTC Gordon Howard was laid to rest on the wind swept plain of the cemetery as the American flag flew at half-staff in his honor at the top of the hill.

Left to cherish his memory are his daughter, Barbara, two grandsons, three great-grandchildren and numerous other dear family and friends.



 

Safely Home

I am home in heaven, dear ones,

Oh, so happy and so bright!

There is perfect joy and beauty

in this everlasting light.

all the pain and frief is over,

very restless tossing passed.

I am now at peace forever,

safely home in heaven at last.

there is still work waiting for you,

so you must not idly stand.

Do it now, while life remaineth,

you shall rest in God's own land.

When that work is all completed,

He will gently call you home.

Ah, the rapture of that meeting,

Oh, the joy to see you come! 

 

With thanks to Crawford-Bowers Funeral Home for biographical information.