Haskel Elby Howard

87 year old Haskel Elby Howard of Smithville died Monday morning at DeKalb Community Hospital. He was the son of the late Erbie Haskel and Mertie Ovella Slagle Howard. He was also preceded in death by an infant brother and two other brothers, Kenneth D. Howard and Holly J. Howard. Mr. Howard was retired from the U.S. Navy, having served from 1939 until 1959, retiring as a Chief Petty Officer. Survivors include his wife, Chizuko Howard of Smithville. Three children, Michael Kenji and his wife Kelli Howard of Batavia, Ohio; Riki Lynn and his wife Gina Howard of Brentwood; and Michiko Naomi Howard and her husband Tim Martin of Smithville. Seven grandchildren, Raleigh Preston Howard, Kenleigh Nicole Howard, Allison Taylor Howard, Slater Jackson Howard, Hayley Midori Martin, Raiden Alexander Martin, and Madeline Aiko Martin. Many cousins in Tennessee and many western states also survive. Mr. Howard’s remains have been cremated. There will be no vistitation held at the funeral home. There will be a graveside memorial service held Thursday at 9:30 a.m. with full Military Honors at the Howard Cemetery in White County. Chuck Olson and Michael Hale will officiate. The cemetery is located on the Old Kentucky Road. Mr. Howard requested NO flowers. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the charity of your choice, the American Cancer Society, Disabled American Veterans, Justin Potter Library, or the DeKalb County High School Library with books about our nation’s history or military. All donations can be made by calling or coming by the funeral home. DeKalb Funeral Chapel is in charge of the arrangements.