William Donald "Don" Howard, Sr.

WILLIAM DONALD “DON” HOWARD, SR., age 89, of Jeffersonville, passed away peacefully at his home on Sunday, August 20, 2023. Donald was born on December 8, 1933 in Sandy Hook, Kentucky to the late Imel and Amanda (Horton) Howard.

He attended a one-room schoolhouse in Oak Grove, Kentucky before the family moved to Fayette County to begin farming, when he was eleven years old. Don attended Eber Elementary and graduated in 1952 from Washington High School. He went to The Ohio State University for two years before receiving an appointment to the United States Merchant Marine Academy in Kings Port, New York. He graduated from there in 1958 with a degree in Marine Transportation and a commission as an Ensign in the United States Navy. Don then traveled all over the world as a navigator of large freight ships.

After his marriage to Pat Howard, he worked with stevedore companies on the Gulf Coast. He retired as Vice-President of Ryan-Walsh in Texas.

Don then returned to Jeffersonville, where he served on City Council, and for a time he attended Jeffersonville Church of Christ. Don accepted Christ when he was eighty years old. He was baptized in Racoon Creek located in Southern Ohio. He was also part of the local AA community.

In addition to his parents, Don was preceded in death by his wife of 59 years, Lillian Patricia “Pat” (Hollis) Howard; son, Roger Stanley Howard; stepdaughter, Cathy Byrd; sisters, Betty (Frank) Patton of Jeffersonville, and Sally (Don) Stahly of Iowa City; sister-in-law, Geri (Robert) Howard of Hilliard and several other brothers and sisters-in-law.

Survivors include his children, William Donald “Bill” (Paige) Howard, Jr. of Florida. Alise (Vincent) Bassett of Texas, Stacey Howard of Jeffersonville; brothers, Roger (Jane) Howard of Grove City, and Robert Howard of Hilliard; grandchildren, Casey, Jennifer, Michael Wayne, Alisha, Nathan, and Ella Claire. Also surviving are several nieces, nephews, cousins, and a host of friends.

In keeping with his wishes, cremation has taken place and a private burial will be held at the convenience of the family.

Memorial contributions are suggested to Ohio’s Hospice of Fayette County, 222 N. Oakland Ave, Washington CH, OH 43160.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the Summers Funeral Home. Online condolences may be sent to www.summersfunearlhome.com

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