Paul Howard

ORAN, Mo. -- Paul Truett Howard, 87, of Vernal, Utah, died Friday, June 25, 2010.

He was born June 3, 1923, to the Rev. Samuel and Alpha Howard of Oran. Paul was the youngest of seven children. He attended Oran schools and graduated from Oran High School in 1942.

Paul was a medic during World War II in the Pacific.

After the service, he worked in the oil field industry. Paul retired from Exxon Oil Co. in 1985 with more than 39 years of service. He worked in Wrangley, Colo., and Vernal. He married Bonnie Belcher of this area.

He had many trades. He did blacksmithing, drilling wells and curing meat. He was a woodworker and made many beautiful crafts for his family. Paul stood strong in his beliefs and what was honest. He loved the mountains in Utah and said he felt close to God there.

Survivors include four children, Jean Evans, Polly Piva, Sam Howard, Sally Phillips and their spouses; 12 grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his wife, parents, three sisters and three brothers.

Funeral service was held July 1. Interment was in Vernal Memorial Park with military honors provided by American Legion Posts 11 and 124.

Announcement courtesy of Amick-Burnett Funeral Chapel in Oran.