John E Howard

John E. Howard, 88 of Alliance and formerly of Sebring passed away at Brookdale Senior Living on Sunday, May 3, 2015.  John was born in East Liverpool, Ohio on July 22, 1926 the son of the late Ernest and Grace (Gamble) Howard.  He was a graduate of Alliance High School. John was a WWII US Navy Veteran serving in Europe, South Pacific and the Arctic Circle; he served on the USS Philippine Sea, and the USS Pondera.  He received his Business Education in Indiana and worked as a traveling salesman for Cain Brothers and Sunshine Biscuit.  John really enjoyed many things but just a few are: reading, dogs and cats, feeding birds, watching old movies with his wife and volunteering for the Ohio Literacy Alliance. He loved going to auctions with his brother in law and great nephew, traveling to many Navy shipmate reunions and was known for wanting to read his many newspapers that he subscribed to.  But most importantly John will be remembered as a loving caregiver to his family.

Survivors include his wife, Rose (Goff) Howard, a daughter Debbie Howard Bezon, three grandchildren Ronnie, Brandon, and Brittany.  He is also survived by a brother William Howard and his niece and caregiver Paula St. John and many other nieces and nephews.  Besides his parents he was preceded in death by two sisters Mary West, Jane Cook and a granddaughter Lisa.

A Funeral Service will be held on Friday, May 8, 2015 at Gednetz-Ruzek Funeral Home at 1:00 PM with Pastor Mike Kimball officiating. Friends may call at the funeral home on Friday from 11:00 AM till the time of the service at 1:00 PM.  Burial will take place at Grandview Cemetery in Sebring with Military Honors provided by the Salem Honor Guard.  In lieu of flowers the family would like monetary donations to go to the Central Ohio Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association; 1379 Dublin Rd., Columbus, Ohio 43215. Friends may send condolences and sign the guest register online at www.grfuneralhome.com.  Arrangements are by Gednetz-Ruzek Funeral Home Sebring, OH (330) 938-2526.