Wallace Douglas "Doug" Howard

Doug was born on March 10, 1947 in Pikeville, KY to the late Leonard Howard and Shirley (Sturgill) Syck. He attended Berea Foundation School and later Raceland High School, leaving early to join the Air Force in 1965. He served in the Vietnam War, returning stateside in 1969, and married his former classmate Connie (Mitchell).

He and Connie had many duty stations overseas and throughout the US. He was promoted to prestigious rank of Chief Master Sergeant in 1989. Doug served a total of 30 years in the Air Force with the last 16 years of his career in recruiting, retiring in San Antonio, TX in 1995. During his time in the Air Force, Doug had multiple decorations, including the Meritorious Service Medal and Commendation Medal, with multiple oak leaf clusters. Upon retiring, he became a Director of Recruitment for ITT Tech. He attained his bachelors degree in Business Administration at Wayland Baptist University in 2004. He retired from ITT in 2014 after 19 years.

Throughout his life, Doug cherished the time he spent talking to and reminiscing with his friends. He was an avid golfer during his time in the Air Force. He was a devout Baptist and shared his faith with his family and those around him. Doug loved nothing more than his family and dedicated all his free time to his wife, kids, and later his grandchildren. Doug was steadfast in his desire to help those around him. He was always willing to help anyone in need. He was a jovial man who loved making jokes and could do a spot-on Donald Duck impression, filling any room he occupied with boisterous laughter.

Doug is survived by his wife of nearly 53 years, Connie, his daughters Nikki and Amy, son in-law Vu, grandchildren Youssef, Adam, Scott, Davis, and Paige, several cousins, and many friends. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his son, Scott, and his brother, Quentin.

In accordance with Dougs wishes, there will be no services planned. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Leon Valley Baptist Church where Doug was a member.