Walter A. Howard

Walter Archimedes Howard, 99, of Massillon, Ohio passed away on February 8, 2023, after a year-long battle with cancer. He was born to the late Thaniel and Jewel (Dickerson) Howard on January 5, 1924, in Harrodsburg, Kentucky. Walter graduated from Madison High School in Richmond, Kentucky in 1942 where he received recognition for his outstanding mechanic skills. He was also recognized as a star quarterback on the football team. He married Pauline Davis in 1942 prior to entering the U.S. Army. Walter served as tank mechanic for the 7th Army after landing on Omaha Beach six days after the initial D-Day invasions of World War II. He earned multiple Bronze Star medals for heroic service in battle and attained the rank of Sergeant.

Upon return from Europe, Walter serviced Caterpillar equipment on numerous projects associated with construction of the Interstate Highway System. Near the end of his career, he serviced mining equipment in southeastern Ohio. Walter retired from Ohio CAT in 1989. He enjoyed traveling and attending gospel music events with his family and attending high school fast-pitch softball games coached by his son. He was an avid Kentucky Wildcats and Cleveland Indians’ fan. Walter was recently honored as a 70-year member of the International Union of Operating Engineers, Local 18.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife of 54 years, Pauline; son, Ronald Howard; sister, Dorothy Harris; brothers, Hunter and Bobby Howard. Walter is survived by his sons, Roger (Susan) Howard and Andy (Carol) Howard; daughter-in-law, Pat Howard; three siblings: Ralph Howard (Jenny-deceased), George Howard (Gloria), Myra Howard Beeler (Fred-deceased); sister-in-law, Anita Howard; four grandchildren: Jody (Manfred) Frank, Mitchell Howard, Megan (Anthony) DiCocco, and Cassidy Howard (Jace Welch); and four great-grandchildren: Ahnna, Lauren, Riley and Leah.

A visitation for Walter will be held Saturday, February 18, 2023, from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM at Karlo-Libby Funeral Home, 5000 Everhard Rd NW, Canton, Ohio 44718, followed by a Celebration of Life from 12:00 PM to 1:30 PM.