Arthur "Art" C. Howard Jr.

born in Jackson, MI on February 4, 1920 passed into his new life on June 16, 2012 under the loving care of the Highland Alzheimer's Care Home and Great Lakes Hospice Staff and family members. Art was preceded in death by Enid, his wife of 52 years; parents Arthur Howard, Sr. and mother Cecile (maiden name Wilkes); parental in-laws Ralph and Hazel Wilcox; his brother Gordon and sisters Dorothy (Sweazy) and Madgel (Wilson) and son-in-law Bob Ladd.

Art is survived by: Sister Verna (Richard) McCollum; Daughters Karen Ladd, Lynne (Dennis) Pienta, Linda (Dick) Gonding and Son Brian (Diane) Howard; eleven grandchildren: Lisa (Jim) Sexton, Mark, Gregg (Dennis), Bobby (Vanessa) Ladd, Debbie (Chuck) Bevier, Beth Gonding, Scott (Jessica) Pienta, Jeff (Sara) Pienta, Eric (Lacy), Adam (Kerstin) and Jordan Howard, 19 great grandchildren, 3 great-great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.

Art attended Jackson High where he participated as a member of the Track Team and Band and graduated in 1938.; married Enid (Wilcox) on September 3, 1939. Art enlisted in the Navy April 27, 1944 and actively served our Country during World War II in the Pacific as a Motor Machinist, 3rd Class on two Landing Source Medium "LSM" vessels, earning several awards including the Philippine Liberation, Asiatic Pacific and Victory Medals before he was honorably discharged on January 13, 1946. Art used his wonderful voice to sing in several choirs; he was an avid bicyclist and a charter member of the Jackson Trailblazers Club making the maiden cycling trip from Jackson to cross the Mackinac Bridge; he enjoyed participating with Enid and his children in bowling and golf leagues and as a member of the Guys and Dolls Dance Club. Art was a tool and die maker by trade and retired from Felters in 1982.

Art will be sincerely missed by his family and friends whose lives he touched. Friends and family are welcome to attend visitation services to be held on Wednesday, June 20 from 2 to 4 pm and 6 to 8 pm at Desnoyer Funeral Home, 204 North Blackstone, Jackson, MI. as well as the celebration funeral service being held on Thursday, June 21 at 11 a.m. at the First Church of the Nazarene, 3905 Clinton Road, Jackson, MI, with Pastor Phil Stout officiating. Following the funeral, Art's body will be laid to rest at Roseland Memorial Gardens to include a military recognition ceremony; after which guests are invited to a luncheon being held at the First Church of the Nazarene.

Memorial contributions can be made in honor of Art to Highland Alzheimer's Care Home or First Church of the Nazarene.

Miss me, but let me go. When I come to the end of the road and the sun has set for me, I want no rites in a gloom filled room… Why cry for a soul set free? Miss a little, but not too long, and not with your head bowed low. Remember the love that we once shared. Miss me, but let me go for this is a journey that we all must take and each must go alone. It's all a part of the Master's plan, a step on the road to home. When you are lonely and sick at heart, go to friends we know and bury your sorrow in doing good deeds. Miss me, but let me go.