Howard G. Hallgarth Jr. Lt. Colonel USAF

Howard was born on June 15th, 1921 to Howard Sr. and Blanche LaMay (Van Dorn), and he lived his entire life in the Yakima Valley. As a youth he was active in Boy Scout troop #1 affiliated with Yakima Presbyterian Church. Scout Master Clarence Trout took the troop on Sea Scout boat trips to Canada and winter trips to the troop cabin at Gold Hill. The love of the outdoors developed in scouting and continued into adulthood as Howard climbed all the major NW peaks.

Howard Senior owned the City Meat Market at 9 North First Street and it was here that Howard Jr. became proficient in the retail meat business. Howard would later credit his experience in the meat market with his terrific ability to socialize with people.

Howard attended Yakima High School and graduated in the class of 1939-1/2. Following this, he attended Eastern Washington College in Cheney, WA until 1942 when he joined the Army Air Force. He was sent to Texas where he became a B24 Liberator pilot. Howard was stationed in Hardwick, England with the 93’d bomb group during WWII. He flew 26 missions over Germany and made food drops over Poland. He had many stories to tell about flak and the German fighters. When the war ended he flew many happy warriors home to the states. Howard continued his military service with 20 years in the Reserves and rose to the rank of Lt. Colonel. He always kept his old uniform in good condition and wore it in many Veteran’s Day parades down Yakima Ave.

After the war, Howard attended WSU. He often reminisced about living in the Beta house and busing tables from the nearby sororities. After graduating from WSU with a degree in Entomology, he put his education to work as a field man for Yakima Farmer’s Supply. Howard continued to work in the agrichemical business with Niagara Chemical and finally as a regional manager for FMC. After retirement, he farmed apples and pears on Summit View Extension where he and Hermina had built their unique mid-century home.

Howard’s #1 sport was skiing with his daughter, sons, and friends at White Pass. This was an activity that he enjoyed, along with the free lift tickets, until age 90. He leaves behind his daughter Camille Ann Smith, sons Brian and Bruce Hallgarth, many grandchildren and two great-granddaughters.

Blessed with good health for over 90 years, Howard often said that he had lived a very interesting life.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the McAllister Air Museum. A celebration of Howard’s life will be held at the McAllister Air Museum on July 19th at 2:00 P.M. To share a memory of Howard please visit www.lepfuneralhome.com.