Estal Howard

Born December 31, 1923 in Mapleton to Hansford and Francis (Sea) Howard, he married Wilma Jean Gray in Pekin on May 27, 1950. She survives.

Also surviving are three sons, Ronald D. Howard of Pekin, Mark A. (Lisa) Howard of Atchison, Kansas and Gaylord (Sandy) Howard of Topeka, Kansas; one daughter, Judith "Judy" Morrison of West Palm Beach, Florida; ten grandchildren, five great-grandchildren; two brothers, Irving (Emma) Howard of Pekin and Kenneth "Kenny" (Mary) Howard of Manito; and one half-brother, Glendale Howard of Angleton, Texas.

His parents, his stepmother, Willie Howard, and one granddaughter preceded him in death.

He was a United States Army veteran of World War II.

Estal worked for Corn Products Company in Pekin for over 35 years, retiring in 1980 from the millhouse. Previously, he worked for the American Distilling Company in Pekin.

He was a member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles Aerie 1869 in Pekin and the Greater Pekin Bowling Association, where he was inducted into its Hall of Fame. He was a former member of the Loyal Order of the Moose Lodge #916 in Pekin. He attended Second Reformed Church in Pekin.

Estal enjoyed bowling, fishing, playing cards, and gardening.

His funeral will be at 10 a.m. Saturday, May 26, 2007at the Preston-Hanley Funeral Home, Pekin Chapel. The Rev. Bradley J. Vander Waal and Rev. Ralph H. Cordes will officiate. Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday at the funeral home. Burial will be in Spring Lake Cemetery in rural Manito, where military rites will be accorded.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Second Reformed Church, 600 State Street, Pekin, IL 61554.