Harold Eugene Howard of rural Hiawatha died Friday, May 31, 2019, in Hiawatha, KS.

Gene was born June 23,1927, to Hollis and Velma (Jaynes) Howard. He married Virginia “Rose” Rockey in October 1945.

Before settling down and raising his family, Gene proudly served his country in the United States Army during World War II.

Gene and Rose raised three boys - Gary, Charles and Don - on the family farm. He continued farming the land - even after retiring from Flair Fold, where he worked in the maintenance department for 14 years. He, also, continued his service to his country as a member of the National Guard.

Gene loved traveling. Some of his most notable destinations included Ireland and Scotland and his dream trip - riding his Harley Davidson to Alaska. He and Rose spent may winters in Brownsville, Texas, camping. Camping was another passion of Gene’s. He and Rose belonged to the Traveling TeePees camping club.  He enjoyed riding motorcycles - passing his love of riding to his entire family. He also enjoyed hunting and fishing.

Gene was a member of the First United Methodist Church, the American Motorcycle Association, the Hiawatha Saddle Club and the Hiawatha Masonic Lodge (which he belonged to for more than 60 years).

He was preceded in death by his parents, sons Don and Charles, daughters-in-law Terry and Betty and an infant great granddaughter.

Gene is survived by his wife Rose of the home; son Gary and Kathy Howard of Hiawatha; grandchildren Tammy Howard, Charla Adcock, Scott Howard, Hollis Howard, Patrick Howard, Keri Bestwick, Robert Howard and Stephanie Boothe; 17 great grandchildren and two great great grandchildren.

Services will be 11 a.m. Wednesday at the First United Methodist Church, 410 Hiawatha Ave in Hiawatha, with Reverend Andrew Finch officiating.

 The family will receive visitors one hour prior to the service at the church.

Interment will follow at Mt Hope Cemetery in Hiawatha, with military honors a courtesy of the Brown County Veterans Honor Guard.

Memorial contributions are suggested to St. Jude’s, sent in care of the funeral home, 124 S 7th St., Hiawatha  66434.

A special message may be sent to the family at www.chapeloaksfuneralhome.com