Obed D. Howard

Obed Donald Howard, 96 passed away on February 19, 2023. Don was born on May 17, 1926, the youngest of four boys born to Phil and Ura Howard. He was born in Corsicana, TX, but raised in the Bonanza & Jenny Lind area. Don joined the Navy at the age of 17 serving in WWII as the personal coxswain to five star admiral Chester W. Nimitz, who was the Commander and Chief of the entire Pacific fleet. After the war Don returned to Arkansas and graduated from Greenwood High School. While working at his father’s ice delivery business, he met Helen Pipkins of Pocola, OK. Don and Helen married in 1948. Don worked as sales manager for Tankersley Brothers, before deciding to go back to college. He obtain multiple masters degrees, following a career path to becoming a principle in the Fort Smith School District. Don and Helen were married for 51 years before Helen passed in 1999. They had two sons, Steve and Les Howard.

Don then married Ruby Gilbert with whom he enjoyed his retirement. They were both very active at Rye Hill Baptist Church and Cavanaugh Senior Citizen Center. They enjoyed playing cards and spending time with family. They were married for 13 years before Ruby passed in 2018.

As a young man Don loved playing baseball. He was on several state championship teams and semi pro teams including the Bonanza Blues. He coached youth teams at all levels from peewee to American Legion. Rarely did he ever miss watching or listening to a St. Louis Cardinals game.

Don is survived by his sons Steve and Michele Howard, Les and April Howard, grandchildren Major Cory and Amanda Howard, Brooks and Corkie Howard, Andrew Howard, Phillip and Allyx Howard, Timothy and Lindsey Howard, Katelyn Howard, and 12 great grandchildren.

He is preceded in death by his wives Helen Pipkins Howard, Ruby Gilbert Howard, parents Phil and Ura Howard, brothers Ernest Howard, G.P. Howard, John Howard and sister Rozzie Muriel Howard.

Services for Don will be Thursday, February 23, 2023, at 12:30 pm in the Chapel at Rye Hill Baptist Church with burial at the National Cemetery to follow.

The family would like to thank all the caregivers for their tireless care of Don. They also extend a special thanks to Doris Hampton, a special friend of Don’s, for her support. The family also thanks the Rye Hill Baptist Church for their support and encouragement.