Dr. Walter Howard

PUXICO, Mo. -- Dr. Walter R. Howard, 56, of Cohutta, Ga., died Sunday, Jan. 20, 2002, at his home.

He was born Aug. 11, 1945, at Poplar Bluff, Mo., son of Elbert and Zelma Howard. He and Linda Hodge were married July 29, 1967.

Dr. Howard was a 1963 graduate of Puxico High School.

He was a retired captain from the U.S. Army, an educator and administrator.

Dr. Howard received a bachelor of science degree from Southeast Missouri State University, and a doctorate in vocational administration from Georgia State University. While working for the Georgia State Department of Education, he was director of the Quick Start Program. He was vocational director at Canton High School in Canton, Ga., and then worked for the continuing education program at Kennesaw State University.

For the past 11 years he was assistant principal and technology director at Northwest Whitfield High School.

Dr. Howard was an active member of Georgia Vocational Association and received the 2001 Administrator and Teacher of the Year Award. He was a member of Varnell Methodist Church, Varnell Rotary Club, American Legion Post 112, adviser of the Venture Crew of Boy Scouts Troop 67 of Vancil, and was an avid canoeist.

Survivors include his wife; two sons and a daughter, Mark, William Preston, and Kimberly and daughter-in-law, Lori; grandchildren, Emma and Nicholas; a sister, Fern Doublin; and mother-in-law, Teny Hodge.

He was preceded in death by a brother, Elbert Howard Jr.; many nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends.

Visitation will be 9:30 a.m. Saturday at Brown General Baptist Church near Puxico. Masonic rites will be held.

Funeral service will be at 11 a.m. at the church. The Rev. John Buttry will officiate. Burial will be in Brown General Baptist Church Cemetery, with full military rites.

Morgan Sifford Funeral Home at Puxico is in charge of arrangements.