John Howard

John Archerd Howard, 83, of Chadron, Nebraska died peacefully with his family at his side Monday, July 27th, 2015 at Chadron Memorial Hospital. He was born March 26, 1932 in Clay Center, Nebraska, the fifth of five children, to Fred B. and May (Archerd) Howard. After his father's death when he was 5, the family moved a number of times, finally settling in Holdrege, Nebraska, where he graduated from Holdrege High school in 1951. He attended Kearney State College in Kearney and Hayes State College in Hayes Kansas. In 1949 while still in high school, at age 17, he joined the Army ROTC. He spent two years active duty in Germany and was a Sargeant in the Medical Corps attached to the 182nd Field Artillery Battalion and the 72nd Field Artillery Search Light Battalion. John spent a total of 8 years in the military, the last few state side in the Nebraska National Guard being honorably discharged in September of 1957. He was very proud of this service to his country. His love for radio started at his hometown radio station, KUVR in Holdrege, and he was a news writer for the new TV station KHOL-TV located between Holdrege and Kearney. He worked for Bill Whitlock from the late 50's to the mid 60's, then moved to KGFW in Kearney and signed on with the Mitchell Broadcasting Co., now known as NRG Media. While in Kearney he served on various boards and committees having to do with the city of Kearney and St. James Catholic Church. John also became involved on a state and national level with broadcasting associations. He spent 7 years on the Board of Directors of the radio and broadcasting division of the Associated Press. John retired from radio October 9, 2009 after more than 5 decades and working from Virginia to Idaho, but spending more than 25 years at KQSK-KCNB and Eagle communications in Chadron. In 1958 he married Neva Hrabe in Hayes, Kansas. To this union a daughter, Renee, was born. In 1969 he married Frances Reeh. To this union 2 children were born: John Jr. and Vanessa. In 1983, he moved to Chadron, Nebraska, found his home and a circle of close friends that would share the rest of his years. His son, John Jr., moved to Chadron in 1987 after his high school graduation, and also spent the rest of his life there. John loved Husker football, fishing on Big Mac, gardening, the first fresh sweet corn of the summer, and a really juicy fresh cantaloupe. He was also looking forward to becoming a great grandpa. His memories are left to his family: daughter Renee Landstrom and husband Larry of Axtell, daughter Vanessa Crowley and husband Jason of Kearney, grandsons Aaron Landstrom and friend Stephanie of Grand Island, Jason Landstrom and wife Jayleen of Axtell, and granddaughters Rebecca and Megan Crowley of Kearney, sister Ruth Medinger of Omaha and brother Fred and wife Deloris Howard of Council Bluffs, Iowa, along with numerous nieces and nephews. He also leaves behind his other "kids": Lilly Belle, Minnie Pearl, Friday Cat and Sammy Davis. He was preceded in death by his parents, sisters and brother-in-laws Marianne and Frank LaDue, Beth Hackett, Lauris Hackett, Dale Medinger, and son John Jr. Honorary pall bearers are his grandchildren, Aaron and Jason Landstrom and Rebecca and Megan Crowley. A memorial has been established. Donations may be sent to Chamberlain Chapel, PO Box 970, Chadron, NE 69337.�½�½

Service:

Wednesday, August 5, 2015 ~ 10:00 AM

St. Patricks Catholic Church ~ Chadron, Nebraska



Visitation:

Tuesday, August 4, 2015 ~ 7:00 PM

St. Patrick's Catholic Church ~ Chadron, Nebraska