William “Bill” Eugene “Gene” Howard, 88, of Wabash, Indiana, died at 2:35 pm, Friday, February 8, 2019 at Wellbrooke of Wabash. He was born July 27, 1930 in Kokomo, Indiana to Thomas B. Sr. and Arley M. (Freed) Howard.
Gene was a 1948 graduate of Hartford City High School and received his BS degree in 1952, from Ball State University. He was a military policeman, in the U.S. Army, during the Korean Conflict. Gene married Betty S. Hiner at the Wabash Christian Church on June 10, 1956, by Dr. George Cartwright. He worked for Sun Oil Company from 1955-67, Marathon Oil Company from 1968-70, was regional sales manager for AP Auto Parts from 1970-87, and eventually retired from Great Lakes Truck and Trailer in 1991. Gene and Betty lived in Wabash, Monticello, Indianapolis, and Livonia, Michigan, before returning to Wabash in 1995. He was a member of the Wabash Christian Church, and served as diaconate and trustee.
He is survived by his wife, Betty S. Howard of Wabash, and daughter, Julie A. Howard of Commerce Township, Michigan. He was preceded in death by his parents, brother, Thomas B. “Bud” Howard, Jr., and his two sisters, Alice Koch, and Mary Oswalt.
Funeral services will be 10:30 am Wednesday, February 13, 2019 at Grandstaff-Hentgen Funeral Service, 1241 Manchester Avenue, Wabash, with Rev. Haley Asberry officiating. Burial will be in Falls Cemetery, Wabash. Friends may call one hour prior to the service Wednesday, at the funeral home.
Preferred memorial is Wabash Christian Church, 110 W. Hill Street, Wabash, IN.