Emerson John Howard

He was a loving father, grandfather, devoted Husband and adored friend by so many people whose lives he touched in a very special way. Most people knew him by his middle name (John). John was a military war veteran who served his country well and retired from the Air Force after 22 years of service ranked as a Tech Sargent E6. He was also a proud brother Master Mason/Scottish Rites Free Mason, achieving the acceptance into the Shriner organization. John worked for Lockheed Martin formerly (Martin Marietta) as an Electronic Engineer, designing warheads for the Hellfire Missile program. John was very passionate and proud of his career as he continued in a field to help to protect and serve his country, until retirement in 1992.

John was a gentle man, who followed the path of God, and he was the son of a Methodist Minister. He lost his father at a very young age of 13 but never forgot the values and morals his father taught him as a young boy. John was a very kind and giving person as a man of God through his actions. John took the responsibility to raise 3 children as they were his own when he took his wife Joann’s hand in marriage in 1984. John also opened his door to many people throughout the years to give them a helping hand in a time of need, welcoming them into his home.

John is survived by his loving family members, (Wife) Joann Howard of 30 years, (Children) Emerson John Howard JR. (EJ), Joseph Viola, Danielle Viola (Sisler), Maria Viola (Quint), (Grandchildren), Michael and Joanna Quint, Joey and Lexi Viola, Brody and Parker Sisler and Lisa, (Great Grandchildren), Levi, Isaiah and Tyler Quint, (Daughter in laws), Kim and Amanda and (Son in Law), Doug Sisler. John is also survived by his twin sister Elma Howard (Bromwell), who resides in Indianapolis, IN.

All services will be held at Woodlawn Memorial Park & Funeral Home, Gotha, FL. A viewing will be held at 5 p.m. Wednesday, April 23rd and the Burial service will be held at 12 p.m. Thursday April 24th.