Deward Edward Howard Sr., 87, died Jan. 6, 2012, at Indian River Medical Center.
He was born in and a lifelong resident of Vero Beach.
He attended Vero Beach schools and graduated in 1943 from Vero Beach High School, with 16 letters in sports.
He served in the Air Force during World War II, serving with the 453rd Bomb Group, under the command of Major Operations Officer Jimmy Stewart (the actor) and later became his chauffeur.
He retired from the Florida State Department of Transportation, after 34 years of service as an engineer constructing roads and bridges in four counties.
He was a former member of the Airport Development Commission, past president of the Indian River Riding Club, board member of the Indian River Historical Society, American Legion, VFW, Sons of Confederate Veterans and the 8th Air Force Heritage Museum of Pooler, Ga.
Survivors include his wife of 59 years, Eleanor H. Howard, of Vero Beach; sons, Deward E. Howard Jr., of Vero Beach and Terry Emerson Howard, of Waymart, Pa.; daughter, Sharyn Gail Fisher, of Lake Stevens, Wash.; brother, William Howard, of Vero Beach; sister, Mary Elizabeth Phillips, of Vero Beach; five grandchildren; and one great-grandchild.
He was preceded in death by his brothers, Leonard and Roy Howard, Hoyt Howard Sr., and Columbus Howard Sr.
A service will be at 11 a.m. Jan. 12 at the First Baptist Church of Vero Beach.
Arrangements are by Strunk Funeral Home and Crematory of Vero Beach.
A guestbook is available at www.strunkfuneralhome.com.
