Robert ''Howdy'' Howdyshell

Robert D. 'Howdy' Howdyshell, age 77, of Mansfield, died Saturday evening at his home following a long and courageous battle with cancer. Mr. Howdyshell was born November 10, 1924 in McCuneville, Ohio, and has lived in this area most of his life. He was retired from Consolidated Freight, and was an avid outdoorsman, loved to garden and read. He was a loving husband, father, and grandfather who will be sadly missed by his family and friends. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army serving in WWII.

Surviving are his wife, Tina Spradlin Howdyshell; three daughters, Sandra and Butch Partin of Mansfield, Donna and Jerry Horsman of Aiken, SC, Barbara and Bill Wilson of Medina, OH; one son, Thomas Howdyshell of Mansfield; seven grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; one sister, Nellie Mason of Norfolk, VA; a number of nieces and nephews; and many special friends. He was preceded in death by four sisters; one brother; and one grandson.

Friends may call at the Diamond Street Home of Wappner Funeral Directors Tuesday from 5-8 p.m. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday at 10:30 a.m. at the funeral home, conducted by Rev. John Fisk. Burial will be held in Mansfield Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to MedCentral Hospice Home Health Care.