Obituaries

Don Gene Howard

Photo of Don Gene Howard
Dr. Don Gene Howard departed peacefully from this life the morning of Feb. 24, 2017. Born near England, Ark., on July 25, 1935, he dedicated his life to proudly serving the community of Fordyce as a family practitioner and his country as a Brigadier General for the Arkansas Army National Guard. He was a loving father, grandfather & great grandfather who will be forever missed. Dr. Howard graduated from England High School in 1953. He attended the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville where he studied pre-med, and then went on to UAMS and graduated in 1960. It was during this time that Dr. Howard began his career with the Armed Forces. Since childhood he was an avid flight enthusiast and as a pastime, enjoyed logging hours in his Mooney and Piper Cub. Dr. Howard practiced medicine in Fordyce from 1960 until his retirement in 2005. He made many house calls and delivered over 2000 babies throughout his career. After retiring to Hot Springs, Ark., he continued a part time practice with Arkansas Counseling and Psychodiagnostics serving the children at Hillcrest Children's Home and surrounding communities until 2013. In addition, Dr. Howard was a knowledgeable military historian who began his career with ROTC while a student at the University of Arkansas. He rose from Second Lieutenant to Brigadier General during his 40 years of service. From attending the Army War College to serving in Europe, Dr. Howard was genuinely proud and honored to serve his country. Dr. Howard is survived by two daughters, Lisa Todd (David) of Hot Springs, Ark., and Luann Howard of Searcy, Ark.; four grandchildren: Rick Todd (Sonya), Marcy Todd Mercer (Justin), Seth West (Brandy) and Logan Watson; two great-grandchildren: Sloan and Grey Mercer; and his loyal and beloved Yorkie companion "Doc". He was preceded in death by his parents, Homer and Elizabeth "Lizzie" Howard. The family will receive friends Monday Feb. 27, 2017 at the First Baptist Church of Fordyce from 12:30-2 p.m. Funeral services will begin at Monday at 2 p.m. at First Baptist Church of Fordyce with Rev. John McCallum and Rev. Rusty Ross officiating. Burial will follow with full military honors at Wheeler Cemetery near Fordyce. Honorary pallbearers are Dr. Tim English, Dr. Andrew Henry, Troy Bradley, Benny Roark, William Lyon, Bradley Deer Camp Members, All Care Givers, Arkansas Medical Society, Jim McNeil, and Rev. Ken Shaddox. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to: First Baptist Church of Hot Springs- Missions, First Baptist Church of Fordyce, Hot Springs Animal Shelter, Fordyce Animal Shelter, Charitable Christian Medical Clinic of Hot Springs or the charity of your choice. Arrangements are by Benton Funeral Home of Fordyce. To sign the online register visit www.bentonfuneralhome.net.

Published February 26, 2017

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