James Thomas "Tom" Howard

January 10, 1932 — July 23, 2016

James Thomas “Tom” Howard

Westmoreland,KS – James Thomas “Tom” Howard, 84, entered into his eternal rest Saturday night, July 23, 2016 at Westy Community Care in Westmoreland KS. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 A.M., Thursday morning, July 28, 2016 in the James Funeral Home Chapel with the Reverend Tommy Anderson officiating. Interment will follow in the Stapleton Memorial Gardens cemetery.

The eldest of two sons of the late Lizzie Belle Kelley Howard and the late Charles Jackson Howard, Tom was born and raised in Stapleton where he graduated from Stapleton High School in June, 1949, after which he entered the Navy in November, 1949. He Attended boot camp in San Diego CA and served on the USS Charles E Brannon DE-446, stationed in Tacoma WA. Although he served during the Korean War, the USS Brannon was not called to action. His service afforded him the ability to travel to destinations such as; Acapulco Mexico, many destinations in both Alaska and Hawaii, until his discharge in June, 1953 in Seattle WA. Tom married Dorothy Elizabeth (Jacobs) in May of 1952. During their 30 year marriage, they had two daughters and lived in IL, OR, CA, TX and PA. He worked in the battery manufacturing business for over 43 years in various managerial positions, retiring in January, 1997 in Salina KS. After retirement, he continued to live in KS and thoroughly enjoyed that area of the country. Tom enjoyed hunting, working on the farm, collecting key chains, photography, raising flowers, watching auto racing and coin collection; but his passion was fishing, especially for large-mouth bass. During his life, Tom acquired many friends and loved ones who will all miss him greatly. Good fishing, Tom!

Tom is also preceded in death by two half brothers, Johnny Howard and W. A. Howard. Survivors include his daughters Jill H. Bechtel (Dan) of Hamburg PA, and Dolores H. Franks of Conway SC; a granddaughter, Ami Lyn Fehntrich (Jason) of Philadelphia PA; brother, Charles Bennett Howard Sr. (Linda) of Louisville; several nieces and nephews; and many friends. Serving as pallbearers will be Charles Howard Jr., William Howard, Chris Howard, Mac Anderson, Tom Austin and Larry Kitchens.

The family will receive friends at James Funeral Home prior to the funeral services—from 9:30-11:00 A.M., Thursday morning, July 28, 2016.

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Fisherman's Prayer

God grant that I may live to fish for another shining day,

But when my final cast is made, I then most humbly pray:

When nestled in your land net as I lay peacefully asleep,

You'll smile at me and, in Your mercy, judge that I am big enough to keep.

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Gone Fishin’

I’ve finished life’s chores assigned to me,

So put me on a boat headed out to sea.

Please send along my fishing pole

For I’ve been invited to the fishin’ hole.

Where every day is a day to fish,

To fill your heart with every wish.

Don’t worry, or feel sad for me,

I’m fishin’ with the Master of the sea.

We will miss each other for awhile,

But you will come and bring your smile.

It won’t be long you will see,

Till we’re together, you and me.

To all of those that think of me,

Be happy as I go out to sea.

If others wonder why I’m missin’

Just tell ‘em I’ve gone fishin’.

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James Thomas "Tom" Howard

January 10, 1932 — July 23, 2016

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