Obituaries

Howard Edwin Gann

Photo of Howard Edwin Gann
Howard Edwin Gann, 84, a much-loved husband, father, grandfather, son and brother, passed away peacefully May 12, 2013 in Hot Springs, Arkansas surrounded by his loving family. Howard was born May 7, 1929 in Searcy, Arkansas to James and Sophia (McGiboney) Gann. He was a graduate of the 1947 class at Little Rock High School and obtained his bachelor's degree at the University of Nebraska in 1970. On February 13, 1954 he married the love of his life, Virginia Helen Creutz in Tampa, Florida. Howard joined the US Air Force September 1950 as a B-29 gunner and was later selected as a member of the first squadron for the new KC 135 air refueling tankers as a boom operator. He later served aboard the Presidential Airborne Command out of Washington, DC in the early 1960's. He remained with the Strategic Air Command until he retired with an Honorable Discharge in October 1970. Upon his retirement he returned to Arkansas to work with Timex Corporation and later with the Pulaski County Election Commission. Howard had an intense and unsurpassed love for his family and country. He enjoyed good music, books and cigars along with a glass of the best whiskey. He was a quiet inspiration to all who were lucky to have known him and to quote his favorite singer Frank Sinatra, Howard would say about his life "I did it my way." Survivors include his son, Christopher L. Gann of Houston, Texas, and three daughters, Cindy Gann Henry of Little Rock, Ark., Caroline Gann Kruse of Sant'Agata dei Goti, Italy, Jennifer Marie Gann of Dallas, Texas; three grandchildren, Brian Patrick Henry, Jessica Gann Thuente and Patrick Christian Gann; as well as many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, James Henry Gann and Sophia Aurela McGiboney Gann; two sisters, Zelma Gann Brennan and Bernice Gann Clemens and one brother, James Dillon Gann. Funeral services will be held on May 18, 2013 at 12:30 p.m. at the Garden of Memories Cemetery in Tampa, Florida. Memorial donations may be made in his honor to the Wounded Warrior Project of America.

Published May 16, 2013

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