Max Edward Howard

Max Edward Howard, 101, of Gilman passed away on Sunday, March 31, 2024 at Iroquois Memorial Hospital in Watseka. He was born February 9, 1923 in Nelsonville, OH, the son of
Albert and Sylvia (Martin) Howard. He married Lois C. Drinan on March 5, 1947 in El Centro, CA and she preceded him in death on January 31, 2007. He was also preceded in death by his parents; two brothers; three sisters; one son, Larry E. Howard on January 28, 2019; and his special friend, Greg Martin.
He is survived by one daughter, Mary Kay Kline of Gilman; two grandchildren, Cory E. Kline of Gilman and Cable E. Howard of Scottsdale, AZ; his special caretakers, Sarah Ochoa, Angie Miller Henry and Robin Lewis Prather; and his special friends, Phil Kline, Jim Forrest, John Gooding, Dale Warmbir, Vic Hari, Frank Simutis and the "Poker Club".
Max attended Nelsonville, OH schools and was in the graduating class of 1941 and was also the class president. Max was from Ohio and Lois was from Illinois, yet they met on a blind date in California and were married nearly 60 years.
Max served in the U.S. Navy during WWII and was an Aviation Radioman and Asiatic Pacific
Radio Gunman. He attended Air Gunner School in Jacksonville, FL. Max received a Victory Medal, American Area Campaign Medal and Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal. He participated in the Chicago Honor Flight on April 13, 2016.
Max attended Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Gilman with his family during his adult years. He was a member of Lions Club, Rotary, Chamber of Commerce, VFW and American Legion. Max was the Executive Vice-President (and acting President) of First National Bank of Gilman which is now Prospect Bank. He was on the Bank Board of Directors until the age of 89. Max was involved with banking for 60 years having also worked at Cullom and Clifton banks.
He was also very active and enjoyed leadership and clubs in his community, especially the "Red Juice" Club. Max enjoyed golfing, fishing, woodworking, hunting, vacationing, playing poker with friends, and spending time with his family (both here and in Scottsdale, AZ). He loved watching sports with his friends, especially the Chicago Bears, Chicago Cubs, Ohio State Buckeyes and the Illini.
A graveside service will be held on Saturday, May 18, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Mary's Cemetery in Gilman. Matt Kreeb will officiate. Graveside military rites will be conducted by the Gilman American Legion.
Memorials may be made to the Gilman American Legion, VFW or Donor's Choice.
Arrangements are by the Knapp-Redenius Funeral Home in Gilman.
Please share a memory of Max at knappfuneralhomes.com.