Howard Walter Sheldon

Following his high school graduation, Howard enlisted in the U.S. Air Force and accepted an assignment to the Aviation Cadet Corps, a program that trained pilots and navigators. In March of 1955, he reported for basic training to Lackland Air Force Base near San Antonio, TX. From there, he was sent to Ellington Air Force Base near Houston, TX for navigator and officer training, earning a commission as Second Lieutenant and his wings as a navigator. He was then sent to Mather AirForce Base near Sacramento, CA for advanced training in high-speed navigation training, reconnaissance, and bombing. That training was completed in December of 1956 and he was assigned to Lincoln Air Force Base in Lincoln, NE where he served four years full-time before serving part-time in the Air National Guard for an additional eight years. From that time on, Howard made his home in Nebraska.

While stationed in Houston, Howard met Mary Margaret Baggett, who would soon become his wife. He proposed before his move to Mather. They were married on December 13, 1956, a date that began a life-long journey filled with love, family, and faith. Howard and Margaret were blessed with three children – Cynthia Lynn, Keith Howard, and Todd Leland.

Anyone who knew Howard knew he was a man of many interests and skills. Following the Air Force, he worked for the Gas Company of Lincoln, NE prior to becoming the business manager for York College in York, NE in 1970. In 1979, Howard and Margaret moved their family to Omaha where he pursued computer training that led to jobs at LeGrange and, later, Robinson Seed Company, from which he retired in 2000.

Outside of work, Howard enjoyed interests as diverse as music, woodworking, and the restoration of antique tractors. He was a member of an antique tractor club and enjoyed driving his tractor in local parades. As a woodworker, he built several pieces of furniture. As a music lover, he was known for always playing music at home.

Undergirding all that Howard did was his faith, a faith that was encouraged by the deep commitment of his wife, Margaret. Most recently, they were active members of Southwest Church of Christ in Omaha where he served as an elder for a time. Howard loved people and loved God, making many friends throughout his journey and serving as an example to his family.

Howard was preceded in death by his wife, Margaret; his parents, Walter and Luella; his brother, Arthur; and brothers-in-law, John Rood and Ron LaMothe.

He is survived by his three children, Cynthia (David) Arterburn of Papillion, Keith (Lisa) Sheldon of Colorado Springs, and Todd (Denise) Sheldon of York; nine grandchildren, Jeffrey (Mary Witte) Arterburn, Kaitlyn (Zach Norwood) Arterburn, Chad (Audra) Arterburn, Thomas Sheldon, Amanda (Joe) Landry, Jessalyn Hartshorn, Leland (Haley) Sheldon, Kent Sheldon, and Hannah (Brady) Sikes; 8 great-grandchildren; two sisters, Ruth Rood and Marjorie LaMothe; a sister-in-law, Sandra Sheldon; and numerous nieces and nephews.

MEMORIAL SERVICE Friday, October 25, 11:00 am at Southwest Church of Christ, 2600 S 124th St, Omaha, NE 68144.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials be given to York University or Southwest Church of Christ.