Howard Burks, 76, a longtime resident of Greenwood, died peacefully in his home surrounded by his family Tuesday, January 14, 2014. He was a member of the Greenwood First Baptist Church, served on the Greenwood City Council and served as Chairman of the Greenwood Planning Commission. He was an Executive of Mid-America Industries in Fort Smith. He was a graduate of S.D. Lee High School in Columbus, Mississippi and attended the University of Maryland.
He had a long and distinguished career in the United States Army, serving three tours of duty in Germany and two tours of duty in Vietnam from 1966 to 1969. He was awarded the following medals: Legion of Merit, twice awarded the distinguished flying cross for valor, twice awarded the bronze star, awarded 22 air medals (4th awarded for valor), Navy commendation medal for valor, Army commendation medal, twice awarded the Vietnam cross of gallantry, Vietnam service medal (7campaign stars), and other meritorious awards. He retired as a Major in 1974 after 20 years of service to his country.
He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Nona Burks; his son Ronnie Burks and wife, Jamie; his daughter Kathy Hance and husband, Steve; his daughter, Linda Burks; seven grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren.
Funeral service will be 2:00 p.m. Saturday, January 18 at McConnell Funeral Home Chapel in Greenwood, with burial at U.S. National Cemetery in Fort Smith.
Pallbearers will be Matthew Burks, Trey Dolan, Trenton Hance, Jordan Burks, Bret Whiteman, Eric Holm, and Ryan Watts.
To sign an online guestbook, please visit www.mcconnellfh.com.
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