Howard, Donald Victor,
88 , Don went home today to his heavenly Father, succumbing to lung cancer. Don was born on March 30, 1929 and was known affectionately to his family and friends as "Dinosaur Don" because of his refusal to be swept up in the race to digitize all human knowledge and effort. Don was the proud son of Clyde and Flora (Johnson) Howard. He was preceded in death by his loving wife, Frances, his brothers George, Jack, and sisters Dorothy, Mary and Kathleen. Don served proudly in the US Army stationed in Okinawa assigned to the "69th Mess Kit Repair Battalion" and the "70th Underground Balloon Corp". Don received a Citation Award from his Commanding Officer, General W.W. Eagles, for meritorious service from 1947 to 1950. Don never let his creativity wane. He founded the Stiff Chair Company which made chairs for "Rigor mortis To Sit In". He was also working with his son-in-law on a patent for a new hearing aid designed to "Help People Listen To Reason". Don retired from Brown-Forman Corporation after 42 years of loyal and dedicated service. Don loved attending the annual meetings of Brown-Forman where he enjoyed mingling with the "Swells".
Don was a compassionate soul who took mercy on both family and friend. If Don thought he could help you in any way, he was always there with a check and a kind word. Don had a keen sense of responsibility. During the Depression his family could not afford the $1.00 a week tuition to send his siblings to St. Mary's School in New Albany, so 80 years later Don sent several thousand to the School. He said that was for tuition and interest.
Don is survived by his brother, Stanley Howard, his stepdaughter, Linda O’Daniel, and son-in-law, James O’Daniel. A private funeral service will be held at a later date. Owen Funeral Home - Jeffersontown entrusted with arrangements.