John Howard

John William Howard, age 78, of Benton, passed away Monday, January 10, 2011. He was born February 26, 1932 in Paron, Arkansas and moved to his farm in Benton in 1961. Mr. Howard was a U.S. Navy Veteran having served in the Korean War and retired from Alcoa Aluminum. He was preceded in death by his parents, George Alvin and Dulsie (Farrell) Howard; grandson, Shane Howard and a sister, Mary Blythe. He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Mary Ellen (Carpenter) Howard of Benton; four sons, John William Howard, Jr. of Rogers, Jerry Wayne Howard of Benton, James Wade Howard of Lono and Joel Wesley Howard and fiancée Peggy Reed of Benton; two brothers, Alvin and Ronnie; four sisters, Pat, Joy, Janice and Rita; 10 grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. Pallbearers will be Joey Rowland, Justin Woodville, Jeremy Howard, Joel Howard, Jimmy Howard and Doug Sanford. Visitation will be 6 to 8 p.m., Friday, January 14 at Ashby Funeral Home. Graveside services will be 2 p.m., Saturday, January 15 at Pine Crest Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the UAMS Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute Foundation @ 4301 West Markham 623 F in Little Rock, Ark. 72205, Att: Outreach Patient Care Fund. Family Comments: He enjoyed spending time with his family and tending to his farm. On-line guest book at www.ashbyfuneralhome.com.