Burford Lamar Howard

Burford Lamar Howard, age 95, died Thursday October 2, 2014 at Mountain Home VA nursing home. He was a World War II veteran who spent 15 months in a German POW camp after being shot down in a B-24 bomber over Austria, and was a recipient of the Purple Heart. He was also a proud supporter of progressive political causes. He worked for his brother Bernard Howard for many years at Howard Auto Sales in Johnson City before going to work at the VA. He retired at the age of 72 and then traveled extensively, primarily in Europe. There he eschewed train travel, and was still driving around the continent by himself with a map in one hand and steering wheel in the other when he was 86 years old. He was predeceased by his parents Reno and Anna Lee (Miller) Howard, his wife Blanche (Patsy) Whaley Howard, brothers Bernard and J.R. Howard, and sister Geneva Howard Rising. Those left to celebrate his life are his daughter Vicki Howard and partner Libba Bond of Knoxville, stepson Ron Newsome of Oak Ridge, three step-grandchildren, and several nieces, nephews and cousins. His daughter is profoundly grateful to so many people who helped guide him down that final road, including ALL the fine staff and employees of the VA nursing home where he received excellent care; the worlds best caregivers including Sherry Boyer, Robin Reed, Samantha Reed, and Cissy Miller; best friend of years Bob Bennett; VA roommate Sam Hutchens and family; special friends Tam Treadway, Melea Hunter, niece Carol Ann Graybeal, and nephew Jerry Howard. Mr. Howard is to be interred at Arlington National Cemetery at a later date.