Howard F. Estes Jr.

Master Sergeant Howard Field Estes, Jr. E8, 94, of KCK, passed away August 21, 2014 at home surrounded by family. Visitation will be 1:00-2:00 p.m., Sunday, August 24th at Chapel Hill-Butler, 701 N. 94th St., KCK. Funeral services will follow at 2:00 p.m. at the funeral home.

Howard was born October 10, 1919 in LaGrange, Illinois to Howard and Rowena Estes. He attended Congress Park Grammar School in LaGrange, graduated from Wyandotte High School, class of 1937 and attended KSU. Howard served over 30 years in the military; he was a cryptographer during WWII and was stationed in Tinduf, Africa, where he learned Arabic and made good friends with many of the villagers, when he had to leave, they made special gifts and walked over a mile to see him off at the airport. He was then stationed in Florence, Italy, where he learned Italian. Howard was a caring, giving man and never met a stranger; he was always helping someone in need. He worked for over 30 years for Procter & Gamble and retired in 1979. Howard married Norma (Jean) Redburn on May 22, 1966 and they have enjoyed 48 wonderful years together. His family would like to extend a very special thank you to his caregivers, Ward-Ann, Kimberly, Cindy and Patrick.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Howard, Sr. and Rowena Estes; his daughter, Vanita; his brother, Robert and his step-son, Terry.

Howard is survived by his wife of 48 years, Norma (Jean) Estes; his daughter, Linda J. of Lenexa; his step-children, Linda K. of Denver, Edward E. of Wichita, and Charles “Ron” & Betty of KCK; 3 grandchildren; 5 step-grandchildren; 6 great grandchildren; 5 step-great grandchildren and many other friends and family.

Fond memories and condolences may be left for Howard at www.chapelhill-butler.com, as arrangements are under the direction of Chapel Hill – Butler Funeral Home, 701 N. 94th St., KCK.