Howard Leon Tyner, 93, Wabash, Indiana passed away at 4:45 AM, Sunday, August 13, 2017 surrounded by family. He was born March 15, 1924 on his parents’ farm in Wabash County. He was the youngest of four children born to Clark and Pearl Tyner. Howard was married to his wife of 48 years, Delight Suddarth Tyner, who passed away April 2, 1993.
Howard and Delight had one son, Terry Lee Tyner, who died May 4, 1950. Howard is survived by his three daughters: Connie (George) Loughman, Wabash, Kitty (Richard) Moyer, Roann, Indiana, and Debbie Tyner, Wabash. Additionally, he is survived by 7 grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren, 7 great-great-grandchildren. They will all miss him dearly.
Howard graduated from Somerset High School and joined the Army shortly after graduation, serving his country in World War II. He later studied for the pastorate at Marion College (now Indiana Wesleyan University). Following college, he attended Seminary in Chicago, Illinois. After returning home from the service, he returned to farm life for many years until he gave his life to Christ and felt a call to the ministry.
Howard devoted his life to serving Christ as a pastor in the Methodist Church. He pastored many churches in Northeastern Indiana. His churches were in the towns of Roann, Peoria, Fulton, Santa Fe, Amboy, South Milford, Pleasant Lake, Geneva, Bourbon, Muncie, Kendallville, Elwood, Cassville, and Michigantown. His passion and desire was that all might know Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. His faith and trust in Christ was evident in his love and sacrifice for his congregations, community and family. He was always willing to lend a hand or give an encouraging word. The farmer in him never left. He was an avid gardener and he would often lend a hand to the farmers in his church.
Howard was also well known for his sense of humor. He loved to put a smile on people’s face. There was never a moment that he wasn’t trying to think of something funny to say or do. He truly loved to pull a funny prank on friends and family.
Howard never missed watching a ball game if he could help it. IU, Pacers, Colts were his favorite sports teams, although he loved watching them all.
After retiring, he and Delight developed a love for crafts and craft festivals. He would go with his wife and three daughters. He loved to use his wood working tools make his crafts and had a flair for painting his figurines and wall hangings.
A gathering of family and friends will take place from 3 pm to 8 pm. Friday, August 18, at Grandstaff-Hentgen Funeral Service, 1241 Manchester Avenue in Wabash. The funeral will be held at Woodlawn United Methodist Church in Somerset, Indiana on Saturday, August 19 at 10 am. Burial will follow in Mississinewa Cemetery, Somerset.
Memorial contributions can be made to Visiting Nurse, 5910 Homestead Road, Fort Wayne, Indiana 46814 or to the charity of the donor’s choice.
The memorial guest book for Howard may be signed at www.grandstaff-hentgen.com.