Vernon M. Howard

Vernon Maurice (Buddy) Howard was born April 27, 1943, in Hot Springs, Ark., to Louis and Catherine Jones Howard.

He attended Goldstein Elementary School and was a

1961 graduate of the Historic Langston High School where he grew to love the sciences. Buddy flourished and his lighthearted attitude shined forth during his high school years as he sang in the Glee Club, played in the band, and was a member of the Langston High School Bulldogs football team. Upon graduation from Langston, Buddy left home to attend Arkansas AM&N College in Pine Bluff, Ark., (now the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff) where he majored in Biology.

Eventually, he joined the Air Force and fought in the Vietnam War with his two brothers. When his tour of duty ended, Buddy explored career opportunities with the U.S. Postal Service (U.S.P.S.). He took a brief break from the U.S.P.S. and worked as a Bath House Attendant in Hot Springs, Ark. Ultimately, he pursued a lifelong career at the U.S.P.S. When Buddy retired, he enjoyed spending time with his friends and attending the Langston High School reunions.

On Tuesday, January 2, 2019, Vernon Maurice Howard passed away at the age of 75. The loss of his presence will be forever palpable. He was preceded in death by his parents, Louis Howard and Catherine Jones Howard; his grandmother, Hattie Waterford Porter; siblings, Lawrence Howard, Julia Anne Howard Lewis, and extended family.

Survivors include his siblings, Jerry Howard, Hattie Louise Howard (Herman) Braxton, and Emily Ruth Howard (Alonzo) Cooper; brotherin-law, Pastor Joseph P. Lewis, and sister-in-law, Mae Howard; a host of extended family and friends. Special mention is also given to all his Langston High School Classmates and lifelong friends James “Chubby,” Helen Taylor, and Roy Chambers. When we all get to Heaven what a day of rejoicing it will truly be!!!

Funeral service will be 11 a.m Wednesday, January 16,

2019, at Haven United Methodist Church, 107 Burroughs Street, Hot Springs, Ark. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service. Burial will follow in Greenwood Cemetery.

Guest registry is at http:// www.carriganmemorial.com.

Arrangements are entrusted to Carrigan Memorial Funeral Services.