William C. Howard

William C. “Bill” Howard, 59, of Meadville, died peacefully Sunday, March 18, 2007 at Hamot Medical Center, Erie.

He was born in Meadville March 22, 1947, a son of Ike and Helen Bene Howard.

He was a 1965 graduate of Meadville High School and was a highly decorated U.S. Army Veteran of Vietnam with the 101st Airborne Division.  He was the recipient of 2 Purples Hearts, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with 3 Bronze Service Stars, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, Combat Infantryman Badge, Bronze Star Medal, and Army Commendation Medal.

He worked for 38 years as a tool and die maker at area tool and die companies.  He was currently employed for the past 6 years as a corrections officer at the Crawford County Correctional Facility.

He was a member of the Crawford Masonic Lodge 234, Zem Zem Shrine Temple, Erie, Legion of Honor, Scottish Rite Bodies, Kismet Grotto, Camel Herders Stable 44, and Crawford County Shrine Club.  He additionally was a lifetime member of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 2006, member of American Legion Post 111, Meadville Club, Meadville Elks Lodge 219, Meadville Eagles Aerie 429, Meadville Moose Lodge 2505, and AFSCME local 2643.  He formerly enjoyed hunting and fishing.

Survivors include a son, Bryan Howard of Meadville; his mother, Helen Howard of Meadville; his loving companion, Sandra Nicolls of Meadville; a grandson, Zachary Shaeffer of Erie; and several aunts, uncles, and cousins.  He was preceded in death by his father.

Calling hours will be Thursday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. at the Robert W. Waid Funeral Home, 581 Chestnut St., Meadville with a Masonic service at 6:45 p.m.

A funeral service will be Friday at 11:00 a.m. at the funeral home with the Rev. John Bargar officiating.

Interment will be in Greendale Cemetery with military honors provided by Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 2006.

Memorials may be made to Shriners Hospital for Children, 1645 W. 8th St., Erie, PA 16505.