Willis Dana Howard, 77, of Vero Beach, passed away on June 22, 2016, at his home surrounded by his family.
He is survived by his wife Jennie Murphree Howard. They were looking forward to celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary together on Aug. 27, of this year. He is also survived by his children Jennie Lesterleigh (Lesleigh) Howard-Zeno (Mike Zeno) of Jupiter, Willis Dana “Will” Howard, Jr. of Largo, Martha Tilley “Patty” Howard (Jared Kendrick) of Vero Beach, and Elizabeth Grace “Liz” Matthews (Jeff Matthews) of Vero Beach; his grandchildren Lileigh Grace Matthews, Piper Dana-Blayne Kendrick, and Grayson Allen Matthews; his brother Roy C. Howard (Jane Howard) of Vero Beach; and his sisters-in-law Patricia Howard of Fort Pierce and Tilley Murphree Clem of Vero Beach.
He was preceded in death by his brother Hoyt Connalee Howard and his parents Lee Roy Howard and Jane E. Conrad Howard.
Howard graduated from Vero Beach High School in 1957, where he played football and baseball for the Fighting Indians for four years and was voted “Mr. VBHS” during his senior year. He attended Murray State University where he was a member of the Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity and earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics.
After graduating from college, Howard worked as a mathematician for the guided missile range division of Pan Am at Cape Canaveral. He then studied engineering at the University of South Florida until he was recruited by Carter Associates in Vero Beach where he worked as a Professional Land Surveyor and was a partner until he retired in 2001.
He was a member of the First Baptist Church of Vero Beach and a former member of the Jaycees, Kiwanis Club, The 100 Club, Ducks Unlimited, and the VBHS Quarterback Club. He was an accomplished golfer, having won many tournaments, and a past president of the Vero Beach Country Club.
Howard was a loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, son, uncle and friend. He battled cancer for many years and never lost hope or faith in his will to live, his loving wife or God. He was so happy to have been able to enjoy being with family and friends at the recent Vero Heritage Pioneer Family Recognition Dinner honoring the Howard family.
Memorial contributions can be made to the American Cancer Society at 3375 20th Street, Vero Beach, FL 32960 or the City of Vero Beach Recreation Department (Performing Arts) at 2266 14th Avenue, Vero Beach, FL 32960.
Family and friends are invited to visit with the family Tuesday evening, June 28, 2016, from 4 to 7 p.m. at the First Baptist Church of Vero Beach. A service celebrating his life will begin at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, June 29, at the church with Dr. Joseph Laguardia officiating.
Strunk Funeral Home is handling arrangements.
