OBITUARY NAME: Richard Edwin Howard, age 82, a longtime Atoka, OK resident. BORN: He was born on Wednesday, April 06, 1932, to Arthur and Margaret (Rigby) Howard, at Waltham, MA. PASSED AWAY: Richard passed away on Sunday, November 2, 2014 at Atoka, OK . AGE: 82 years, 6 months and 27 days. EDUCATION: He attended school at Chelmsford, MA. OCCUPATION: He entered the Ministry for The Church of The Nazarene. He pastured several small churches before moving to Colorado. He served on the board of directors at a mission for homeless men in Colorado Springs, CO. Richard was a Food Service Supervisor at Stringtown Correctional Center for the state of Oklahoma for 10 years. Upon retirement he went to work for Wal-Mart #232 in Atoka. He enjoyed working at Wal-Mart and made many friends with the employees and customers. MILITARY: He proudly served our country in the Navy on ship #679during the Korean war as a radio operator. He was honorably discharged on April 5, 1954. MARRIED: He married Vickie Lynn (Jackson) on October 14, 1973 at Bethany, OK. CHURCH AFFILIATION, HOBBIES AND OTHER AFFILIATIONS: Richard was a member of Caddo Church of the Nazarene, he enjoyed singing specials for the congregation and God. He was a gardener who enjoyed trying new vegeables, fishing, camping, and traveling. Richard kept up with and knew every make and model of every car and truck. SURVIVED BY WIFE: Vickie Lynn Howard of the home in Atoka, OK DAUGHTERS: Margaret Beth Inman and husband Pete of Gainesville, FL Judy Hearrel and husband Robert of Gainesville, FL Shirley Scott and husband Franklin of Gainesville, FL 2 STEPSONS 11 GRANDCHILDREN 24 GREAT GRANDCHILDREN BROTHERS: Robert Howard of Bryan, OH Donald Howard and wife Dottie of Chelmsford, MA SISTERS: Phyllis Ramsey and husband Ray of Danville, IL Betty Watkinson of Long Branch, WA along with numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and many dear friends. PRECEDED IN DEATH BY PARENTS: Arthur and Margaret Howard STEP MOTHER: Elda Howard UNCLE: Harry Howard ****************************************************************************** DATE OF SERVICES: 11:00 AM Wednesday, November 5th, 2014 PLACE OF SERVICES: Green Meadows Cemetery, Atoka, Oklahoma OFFICIATING: Rev. Richard Sowder INTERMENT: Green Meadows Cemetery, Atoka, Oklahoma HONORARY CASKETBEARERS: Jerry Richards, Jerry McMichael, Utah Nation, Harold Gordon, Steve Chaffin, Kirk Watkins, Everett Stanley, Kevin Stanley, Mark O'Hern, Roy O'Hern, Dale Joines, Randy Joines, Dane Joines, Ed Wheat, Delbert Birdsong. CONDOLENCES MAY BE SENT TO THE FAMILY BY EMAIL TO: BROWNS@ATOKA.NET. PLEASE REFERENCE THE NAME OF THE DECEASED IN YOUR CORRESPONDENCE VISITATION NIGHT TUES 6~8 SERVICES UNDER THE DIRECTION OF BROWN'S FUNERAL SERVICE - ATOKA, OK