Donald Arthur Howard

Donald "Don" A. Howard, age 82, of Lapeer, formerly of Detroit, died Wednesday, April 3, 2013. Don was born May 30, 1930, in Burdine, Kentucky to Arthur and Carrie (Buchanan) Howard. Mr. Howard proudly served his country in U.S. Air Force, he worked on engines in Japan. Donald retired from the Detroit Fire Department in 1976, he was a proud member of the Detroit Fire Fighters Association, supporting the Detroit Firemen's Fund. Mr. Howard and his wife were members of the Trinity United Methodist Church in Lapeer. Don was a loving husband, father and grandfathter, affectionately known as "Papaw". Don is survived by his wife: Donna "Sue" Howard of Lapeer; children: Karen L. Howard of Lapeer, Sharon K. Howard of Lansing, Rick (Wendy) Howard of Marlboro, Massachusetts and Laura (Jim) Harper who is like a daughter; grandchildren: Elizabeth (Jason) Pullen of Jenison, MI, Christina (Mike) Stone of Atlanta, Georgia and Jared Howard of Marlboro, MA; great-grandchildren: Landon and Evelyn Pullen; brothers: Bill (Frances) Howard of Lexington, KY and David (Linda) Howard of Blythewood, South Carolina; several nieces and nephews. Mr. Howard was preceded in death by his parents Arthur and Carrie Howard; brother: Gary Howard. Visitation for Mr. Howard will be private. Donald's memorial service will be 11:00 AM Saturday, April 6, 2013, at Trinity United Methodist Church in Lapeer, Rev. Grant Lobb officiating,. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the church. Burial of Mr. Howard's cremains will take place at a later date, at Great Lakes National Cemetery in Holly, Michigan. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, American Diabetes Association or the American Heart Association. www.MuirBrothersLapeer.com