He was born in Kenhorst (near Reading), PA to the late Lester J Eckenroth and Mae E (Smith) Eckenroth.
Howard graduated from Shillington HS in June 1946. After graduation, he enlisted in the US Navy serving as a radioman on a PBY stationed in Whidbey Island, Washington.
In early 1948 the PBY was sent to Kwajalein in the Marshall Islands for search and rescue during Operation Sandstone atomic tests. After discharge, Howard enrolled in Villanova University graduating with an Electrical Engineering Degree on June 2, 1952. He married Joan C Coller on June 7 and they moved to Baltimore, MD where Howard started work in the Servo section of the Engineering Division at the Glenn L. Martin Co. in Middle River, MD on the Viking Rocket. He received a Masters Degree in Engineering Management from Drexel Institute of Technology in June 1966.
In July 1967 he transferred to the Orlando Division where he continued working until Dec. 19, 1990. In this 38 and ½ year career, he worked in various Engineering and Management positions on programs such as: Viking rocket, Vanguard rocket, Prime re-entry vehicle, Lifting Simulation Lab, Sam-D, Patriot, Assault Breaker, TECHNEX, and several black hole programs.
Howard was preceded in death by his wife of nearly 57 years, Joan Carol (Coller) Eckenroth, who passed away on April 17, 2009. He is also survived by daughter Pamela wife of James Dwyer of Oviedo, daughter Deborah wife of Daniel Karaffa of DeBary, and son Randy of Clermont and three grandchildren: Kimberly, Kevin, and Katelyn and one great-granddaughter, Carolyn.
Arrangements by Baldwin-Fairchild Funeral, E. Altamonte Chapel, 994 E. Altamonte Drive, Altamonte Springs, FL 32701. 407-831-2031. www.baldwinfairchild.com.
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