Thomas L. Howard

Thomas L. Howard

September 24, 1925 – December 25, 2020

Thomas L. Howard, (95) went to be with the Lord on December 25, 2020 at MediLodge of Monroe, 481 Village Green Lane, Monroe, Michigan 48162. Born on September 24, 1925 in Bellefonte, PA, he was the son of the late Joseph L. Howard, Sr. and Alice Rose (Meyer) Howard.

In addition to his parents, Tom was preceded in death by all of his siblings: Hassell E. Meyer (half brother), Mary Louise Daughenbaugh, Joseph L., Jr., Norman E., Ruth Patricia Yakich, Meriam Ann Yakich, Alan G., Lynn D., Bliss F., Kenneth W., and Nancy C. Lucas. He was also preceded in death by several nephews.

Tom graduated from Bellefonte Area High School in June 1944 and graduated from Penn State University in 1950 with a B.A in Liberal Arts. He was employed by Detroit Mutual Insurance Company in 1954 and retired in 1987.

Tom served in the 100th Infantry Division of the U.S. Army during World War II where he earned two Bronze Star Medals, Combat Infantryman Badge, European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal, Good Conduct Medal and World War II Victory Medal. He also was awarded the Knight of the Legion of Honor for France and Western Europe. It is the highest honor that France can bestow those who have achieved remarkable deeds for France.

He was a Lifetime member of the Penn State Alumni Assn., PUFL member of The American Legion Post 0282 (Ypsilanti, MI); Lifetime member of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1600 (Bellefonte, PA); Life member of Disabled American Veterans Chapter MI 13

Tom enjoyed gardening, dancing, bird watching, reading, hiking, walking, swimming and Penn State sports.

Tom was of the Catholic faith. He attended Mass at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church in Bellefonte and St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Ypsilanti, Michigan.

He is survived by 22 nieces and nephews and many great and great-great nieces and nephews.

There will be a public viewing held on Thursday, December 31, 2020, from 9-10am, at Wetzler Funeral Service, Inc. at 206 N. Spring Street, Bellefonte. Funeral services will follow at the funeral home at 10am with Father George Jakopac officiating. Graveside service will directly follow at St. John’s Catholic Cemetery in Bellefonte. Following CDC recommendations, social distancing is encouraged, and face coverings will be required at all services.

Online condolences may be made to the family at www.wetzlerfuneralhome.com.