So sorry to hear of Don's passing........Al Sargent

Don was the best friend I've ever had. He was a genuine big brother to me. Don was the most honorable and trustworthy person you could hope to meet. He taught me how to be a sailor, an Ordnanceman, and a shipmate, and in the process his influence and example taught me to be a better person. I owe him a lot more than I could ever repay. Bonneville won't be the same.

Don was the best big brother a sister could hope to have.  He taught me how to handle a six-shooter in the driveway so when the stage coach robbers came around the corner of the garage we could take them down, he taught me that 4 of-a-kind beats a full house by the time I went to kindergarten and that Bela Lugosi, Wolf Man and Frankenstein made the best Saturday night movies. He taught me that kindness was always the best policy and what service to our country meant.  I will miss him terribly but he helped to shape my life and will always be part of me and what I pass on to my own daughter.  We love you Sandy and Donovan.

Uncle Don was always my favorite uncle. He was kind, understanding, and boisterous all at once. I'm blessed to have had him to be a kind of 'grandfather figure' for me throughout my life. Every time I accidentally buy dry wine I think of him and force myself to drink it. One of my favorite memories with Uncle Don is volunteering for roadside cleanup with him and his awesome friends and fellow Shriners.

I love you Aunt Sandy and Donovan and you're in my prayers.

Sorry to read of a shipmate Don's loss.  Don and I were both Ensigns and Ltjgs aboard USS INDEPENDENCE (CV 62) from 1976-78, he a seasoned LDO and OHO, and I was a younger Surface Warfare Officer.  We stood many inport Norfolk and Mediterranean Sea OOD quarterdeck watches in those couple of years.  I and many others enjoyed Don's company and learned much from his experience-based leadership.  Lost track of Don as our career tracks parted our company.
My heartfelt sympathy to you family who were fortunate to know Don longer. 
Rick Titi, CAPT, USN (Ret.)
Chesapeake

Dear Sandy .... We were so sorry to hear about Don's passing.   Don was a wonderful, kind person, and possessed such an uplifting and cheerful personality.   We always enjoyed the fun-filled times that we shared with the two of you.   Don's devotion to the Shriner's was extraordinary.   He was always so caring about the things that children had to endure.   May Don rest in peace and may his dreams live on in you and your son Donovan.    Your friends, Chip and Joan Heyser

Sandy and Donovan, I was so saddened to hear the news of Don's passing.  Linda and I are so very sorry.  It was great to have worked with Don all those many years.  He was passionate about the work and especially our Navy's ships.  His passion and enthusiasm were infectious and I was one of the many beneficiaries.  Please know that we have you and your whole family in our thoughts and prayers, Conrad & Linda

Dear Sandy.I am so sorry for your loss of Don,I know this is such a hard time for you. May he rest in peace with much love terry salmon

"Now Fiddler's Green is a place I've heard tell / Where sailor-men go if they don't go to hell"

Don, I'll see you someday in Fiddler's Green

 My thoughts and prayers are with Don's family at this time of deep loss. God Bless you and keep you in His tender care.

Sandy,
Don and I crossed paths many times during our careers and I enjoyed each and every time we did.  
While Don will be welcomed by the many friends we have already lost this year, I grieve at his passing.  
Please accept Linda and my deepest condolences.

Don was one hell of a good friend and Ordnance Officer! Many a good time was had together!! He faced his medical problems with dignity and an upbeat spirit. As Ed Scott has stated, "He's with the Big Gun Boss in the Sky"!! May God Always look over his family and keep them safe!  Curt Crowe (Boston, GA)

My thoughts and prayers are with Don's family in these troubling times. Don will be missed greatly.

Don was 1 in a million......A great Shipmate, Exceptional Ordnanceman, Superb LDO, and my Friend!  He will be sadly missed by the Ordnance Community, his AMSEC Friends and former Co-Workers.  God Speed!

As Don checks into his new duty station with the "Supreme Being and Gun Boss in the sky" he will renew friendships of long ago as well as new ones as well. There was never a stranger nor someone in need through his life as I knew him. A fine and steadfast man and fellow Naval Officer as one could ever know. God's speed with fair winds and following sea's to you and your family.

Extending deep and heartfelt sympathy to the family. I pray that God brings peace and comfort during this time. I enjoyed working with Don (AMSEC).

Farewell to a close friend and fellow Naval Officer that I had the honor of serving with on his first assignment as an officer. Don, your friendship of the past 38 years will be sorely missed. Fair winds and following seas on your new journey.
                                               CDR Dempsey (Jesse) James

Don was a great naval officer and a really good man.  A true friend since we first met 38 years ago.  I miss him already.  But I've got some really good memories.

OBITUARY

Donald Eugene Howard

17 December, 1947 – 16 July, 2016

Smith & Williams Funeral Home/Kempsville

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