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William Howdeshell Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for William Howdeshell
Mark Drennen
May 19, 2018
I love you and miss you everyday, I miss my sister, but I am glad she is with you, she was devastated when she lost you and now she has you back.
Regina Hale
February 25, 2013
In honor and Memory of you. We miss you.
Regina Hale
August 8, 2011
We will never forget you or your ultimate sacrifice for us. I love you Bill.
Your Aunt Regina
Alan Gilbert
August 7, 2011
Remembering Sgt. William Howdeshell and his family on the anniversary of his services in Largo, Florida, August 7, 2007. As a member of the Patriot Guard Riders, we were proud to stand in silent respect in honor of him. He will never be forgotten for his ultimate sacrifice for our nation.
Peggy Childers
July 26, 2011
To the family and friends of Sgt. William R. Howdeshell:
Please accept my remembrance of William on the anniversary of his passing and know that he will never be forgotten.
Peggy Childers
July 26, 2010
To the family and friends of Sgt. William R. Howdeshell:
Remembering William on the anniversary of his passing. May our fallen heroes never be forgotten!
Peggy Childers
"Don't Let The Memory Of Them Drift Away"
www.IraqWarHeroes.org
Kathleen Flanary
May 22, 2010
Thank-you for all you did for our Country. I and many others appreciate your ultimate sacrifice and want you to know it has not gone un-noticed.
February 17, 2010
troy mckee
Kym's sister
February 10, 2010
Thank you for your sacrifice Bill. You are missed everyday. Your son misses you more than imaginable and talks about you everyday. I pray that you and Kym are together again in heaven and are looking down on your son with loving eyes. He loves and misses you both so much.
Kymberly Howdeshell
October 20, 2009
Thank you, all of you. Bill loved his job. He was so happy being in the military. He is missed every day. He was too young. If anyone has any questions, or just want to talk, feel free to contact me. [email protected]
I love you, Bill.
Jason Ritter
August 11, 2009
Just wanted to add a photo of Bill and I in Bahrain. July 2000. He was still in the Navy at the time.
Jason Ritter
August 11, 2009
Bill was a great father, husband, and friend. I spent 80% of my Naval Career with this man. We were room mates, classmates, co-workers and friends. When I needed a place to stay, you welcomed me into your home. I will never forget you old man.
Peggy Childers
July 26, 2009
To the family of Sgt. William R. Howdeshell:
William gave the ultimate sacrifice and will be held in the hearts of Americans forever. I cannot and will not let our fallen heroes be forgotten. My deepest sympathy to you. "Some gave all."
Peggy Childers
"Don't Let The Memory Of Them Drift Away"
www.IraqWarHeroes.org
Jesse Friend
July 8, 2009
I also worked with Howdy for about 2 years at the Oceana Test cell, i just found out about his passing, my deepest sympathy goes out to his wife and son. Howdy was a great guy we used to joke around all the time about anything we could whatever made the day go by faster, i also remember his fondness to hevy metal music as we shared the same taste for Iron Maiden, funny the little things you remember, you will be missed buddy God Bless.
Anthony Vicroy
June 17, 2009
This comes as such a shock to me. I worked with Howdy for about 2 years at the Test Cell in Oceana Virginia. We were buds. He taught me alot about computers which I'm not very good at. I found out about his death from a fellow sailor. The last time I saw Howdy was when he was leaving the Navy to join the Army. We all joked with him saying he'd get shot or something so the Army wasn't worth it but he was so gung ho about being a soldier. That is all he ever talked about. I am so saddened that I lost a good friend. Howdy always made me laugh with his squeaky voice. He was a character no doubt about it. I just wanted to send a few words in his honor and to send my deepest sympathies to his wife and son. God bless you up there Howdy, and god bless your family. I just can't believe you are gone. I'm making a promise to you, I'm planning a trip to Arlington to visit your final resting place.
From an old friend,
~Anthony Vicroy
Kenna Larra
December 29, 2008
We love our Soldiers! We love our country and we cannot express enough love and compassion to the families at this time. This is a Nonprofit Organization to honor are Soldiers!
FREE OIL ON CANVAS PAINTING OF THIS HERO. COMPLETE FORM AT WWW.HEROPAINTINGS.COM
Please contact us! Contact us directly at [email protected] or go to www.heropaintings.com. If you have already had a portrait completed, we pray that you are enjoying the portrait and God Bless You.
Sincerely,
Kenna
In Memory of William Robert ~ (Debra Estep)
July 26, 2008
Holding you all in my thoughts and prayers.
The Wind on The Downs
“I like to think of you as brown and tall,
As strong and living as you used to be,
In khaki tunic, Sam Brown belt and all,
And standing there and laughing down at me.
Because they tell me, dear, that you are dead,
Because I can no longer see your face,
You have not died, it is not true, instead
You seek adventure in some other place.
That you are round about me, I believe;
I hear you laughing as you used to do,
Yet loving all the things I think of you;
And knowing you are happy, should I grieve?
You follow and are watchful where I go.”
(Written by Marian Allen during World War l )
Two lines that I wish you to keep near your heart…….
“You seek adventure in some other place.
That you are round about me, I believe”
I did not know William, but I am remembering
his service. He is my hero. !
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
The Other Side
i'm over on the other side
where life and death softly divide.
left my skin and bones behind
now i'm over on the other side.
can you feel me there with you?
my breath is gone but i'm not through.
loved you then and i still do
from over on the other side.
i can fly. really fly.
below the earth ... all through the sky.
tell em all i did not die.
i'm just over on the other side.
it's good here on the other side.
the sweetest songs...the bluest skies.
thank you for the tears you cried
but it's good here on the other side.
i can fly. really fly. below the earth...all through the sky.
tell em all i did not die.
i'm just over on the other side
the world is smaller than a needle's eye.
where life and death softly divide.
when you leave your skin and bones behind
i'll be waiting on the other side.
i can fly. really fly. below the earth ... all through the sky.
go tell em all i did not die.
i'm just over on the other side.
Song lyrics by Don Conoscenti
C Desert Muse/SESAC
www.donconoscenti.com
(Used with permission)
“I hope it brings great comfort to any and all.
Peace on you. DonCon” 4-2008
The Other Side –
(To hear the song)
http://tinyurl.com/3o8gol
Sincerely,
Deb Estep ~ Ohio
Proud Air Force Mom SSgt Vince – Lackland AFB
Proud Air Force MIL SrA Dana – Randolph AFB
Remembering The Fallen – Blog
http://tinyurl.com/3z8p55
Angel and soldier drawing I have shared here.
http://tinyurl.com/6gey8b
July 1, 2008
You are remembered and respected. Thank you Sgt Howdeshell!
His niche marker at Arlington National Cemetery
June 30, 2008
Carried by the honor guard
June 30, 2008
A hero comes home for the last time
June 30, 2008
Bill and his son Robert
June 30, 2008
A hero arrives home
April 28, 2008
You will be remembered
April 28, 2008
Honored Hero
April 28, 2008
His Medals
April 28, 2008
Eric Drennen, Uncle of William Howdeshell
Eric Drennen
April 28, 2008
William Howdeshell was my nephew, His mother Elaine Clausen is my sister. May you rest in the house of the lord and dine at his table. You served our country well. I am very proud of you.
Wade Carr
December 13, 2007
Long live your Legacy HOWDY AIMD OCEANA TEST CELL BUDDY AD1 Carr
Debbie Elam
November 10, 2007
My name is Debbie Elam and I am the Chairman for the Virginia Memorial Quilt Project. Our Project's Mission is to present the immediate family of each fallen soldier from the State of Virginia with one numbered memorial quilt. Please contact me at the following:
Debbie Elam, Chairman
Virginia Memorial Quilt Project
2621 Linbrook Drive
Richmond, VA 23228
or you can email me at [email protected]. You can view our work on www.vmqp.com. We hope to hear from you soon! God Bless.
82nd Airborne (Grenada)
October 20, 2007
Sergeant Howdeshell,
Your smiling face in this photo tells me that you are proud to do what you do. I am proud to know that men like you are out there defending me and my children. I saw many of my friends die in grenanda and I just hope that God has a special place for you and my friends. As I miss my friends I shall miss you, but please know that your name, your cause and your dedication live on in all of your fellow soldiers. I tell my son of the sacrifice you and your fellow soldiers have made over the many battles with tears in my eyes. You have my families respect. My son will understand the sacrifice you have made, and it will mean something to him. I thank you for your sacrifice, and I promise my son will know your name, your face, your photo and your honor. The definition of sacrifice is: something given up or lost , we have all lost by your passing. Sergeant Howdeshell, I salute you. Thank you.
wayne quesenberry
August 28, 2007
So sorry for your loss. May God
bless your Family.
debbi rivers
August 27, 2007
To the parents of William, I would like to extend my heart felt sorrow as I know what you are going through and what you will yet go through in the coming weeks. I too am the mother of another fallen soldier and with God's continued support in my life I try to reach out to other who might need the support of someone who has been where you are. I want to offer you the support you may need to contact me anytime so that you may vent, talk or just seek comfort I am here for you. As a Gold Star Mother I've reached out through God's blessings to many across the country and we have a good support group. May God continue to give you and your family the love, comfort and healing that you need. In memory of my son SPC Harry (Buck) Winkler III KIA Samarra, Iraq November 12, 2006
Michael iezzi
August 27, 2007
Father we entrust our brother William to your mercy. You loved him greatly in this life: now that he is freed from all its cares, give him happiness and peace forever. Welcome him now into paradise where there will be no more sorrow, no more weeping or pain, but only peace and joy with Jesus your Son, and the Holy Spirit forever and ever.
May God hold William in the palm of His hand. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. My deepest sympathy.
marie jones
August 27, 2007
i am sadden by the loss of another young life may your family draw comfort from the God who gives peace during this time of great sorrow and be assured that he cares for you and is there for you deepest sympathy
Preston family
August 26, 2007
We, as Americans, owe your son and those like him, a debt that can never be repaid. Like untold millions before him, he died protecting our country, our freedom, and therefore,each of us. No words can bring much comfort, but please know that millions of Americans honor him. May you find comfort in God's loving grace.
Gale Poindexter
August 26, 2007
I would like to offer my condolences to you and your family over the loss of your son Sgt William R Howdeshell. I lost my son in Iraq on May 6/2007, so I can well understand your pain of losing a child.
When things settle down, I recommend that you contact a man named Michael Reagan.
He will draw one portrait of the fallen soldier. He does this for free and will draw any picture of your choosing. He has drawn presidents and other celebrities. My husband and I got one and it has helped me with the healing process. Michael is a truly gifted artist that captures the very essence of the person he draws. I look at my picture everyday and it gives me a connection that I cannot explain.
I pray you will be guided by a higher power to give you peace, comfort and strength in this time.
Psalm 34:18
The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit
GOD Bless you and your family. Your son was a true American Hero and we are all very proud of his service.
(Proud mother of Sgt Joel W. Lewis, 5/20, 3-2 SBCT -KIA May 6/07, Baqubah, Iraq)
Henryk Zaleski (USN-Ret)
August 26, 2007
Rest in peace.
August 20, 2007
Thank you for the sacrifice made by Sgt Howdeshell and the sacrifice made by everyone who loves and misses him! May God bless all of you!!
Dana Havron, LTjg USN
August 14, 2007
Mrs.Howdeshell & family:
My family's deepest condolances on your tragic loss of Bill. I know you will always be proud of Bill's many outstanding contributions: infantry scout, defender of his country's freedom, and American hero. God's Speed and go forward with life as, I'm sure, Bill would want you to do.
Patsy Jo Reed Sircy
August 14, 2007
Sincere sympathy and love, Pat - R.N.
Ronn Massie
August 9, 2007
God bless the family and friends of William.
You will all be in our prayers.
Thank you William for being such a brave hero.
(In remembrance of Cpl. Joey Cantrell 4-4-07)
Alan Gilbert
August 7, 2007
My sincere condolences to the family and friends of Sgt. William Howdeshell. It was my honor to participate in paying respect to Sgt. Howdeshell as a member of the Patriot Guard Riders. Thank you for inviting us, and especially for allowing us to share in the services for Sgt. Howdeshell, a true American HERO.
Mark Drennen
August 4, 2007
Just remember, In heaven, we will be with Bill, alot longer than we will be without Bill here on earth.
August 3, 2007
To the Family and Friends of this Soldier:
I will stand in grief with this soldier's family to honor him. For every fallen HERO there is a bright star that shines in the evening sky to remind us of the cherished gift we were given – even if for too short a time.
My heart breaks again as I sign yet another guest book of another courageous young soldier who gave their life so selflessly. I wish I never found myself in a position to have to sign another guestbook for the rest of my life, but I promised Brent that neither he nor any like him would be forgotten and so I will continue until the day there is no longer the need.
We lost our son SFC Brent A. Adams on 12/1/05 and it seems like yesterday. I wish so badly there were things I could say to you right now to make the pain you are feeling go away, but I know first hand there simply are no words that will bring you the comfort and peace your heart aches for. Just know that you are not alone. My heart, thoughts, and prayers are with you all as you go through this tragedy moment by moment and as you mourn this loss.
We don't know each other, will probably never meet, but will forever be united in the loss of our Heroes. We have, unfortunately joined a group none of us wanted to join, an ever-growing group of families in this situation. May God grant you peace and strength to get through this and be able once again to smile at a memory rather than have only the tears that flow so easily now. To be so proud of your loved one and so saddened at the same time is a mix of emotions very difficult to deal with as our hearts both burst with pride and pain together.
I am sorry that I never knew your soldier personally. While they can never be replaced, neither will they ever be forgotten. You must trust that sometime, someday the loving memories you have will help to sustain you and help you go on. This courageous soldier will forever be your Angel watching over you all for the rest of your lives. It's what brings me some measure of peace and comfort and I hope it will you as well.
To his family and friends in pain, I offer this comfort: When you find yourself in that dark sorrowful place, think not only of how you will miss him, but instead recall the years, days, hours and minutes gifted to you by his presence. The one thing that cannot be taken from you is your wonderful memories that now will mean more than ever.
If you ever want to talk, I'm only an e:mail away and would love for you to tell me more about your Hero.
God Bless this soldier and family who gave all and God Bless legacy.com for setting up this site where families can so quickly share their condolences and prayers with others like themselves.
Proud Parents of SFC Brent A. Adams, KIA, 12/1/05, Ramadi, Iraq
Pam and Bill Adams, Lancaster, PA
Naomi, MacDill
August 3, 2007
My prayer's are going out to the Howdeshell family. It's such an honor to hear his story.
Nicole edwards
August 3, 2007
Hello there Bill,
I didnt get the chance to meet you but i am your brother's wife's best friend.We all love you and miss you so much.Thank you for all you did and We will see you tuesday and give our love...
valorie
August 3, 2007
My prayers and thoughts are with you.
I know how you feel losing a "HERO",Becoming a "Gold Star" Mother myself on 25 March.. The sacrafice our sons and daughters are making on a daily basis should tell us all..These young HEROS knew full well what they were doing and did it proudly When you hug your loved ones tonight.... Remember... We also hugged ours and now they are protecting you..We.. as Americans need to make the "Ultimate Sacrafice" by supporting all our military(HEROS)...the Proud Mom of SGT. Jason W. Swiger
5th Squadron, 73rd Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne,Fort Bragg, N.C. KIA 3/25/007
Bobbie Bilotta, Florida State Captain, Patriot Guard Riders
August 3, 2007
I send my sincere condolences to the family and friends of Sgt. William R. Howdeshell. May the Lord comfort you in the difficult days ahead.
Godspeed William...Godspeed.
Stand down now Sgt. Howdeshell, your watch is over, your mission is complete.
steve knox us army retired
August 2, 2007
Today you welcome me to heaven and sorrow feels your heart even though we are not together we will never be apart.
Our time we had together was cut short in the blink of an eye but you can still see me in all god’s glory when you look up to the sky.
Why god called me home so soon right now I can’t explain I know you want the answers and your friends all feel your pain
Today you cry and say good bye to the son whom you gave birth but I promise you our time heaven will be an eternity to that on earth
Now it is time to move on and let me fly up to heaven above I know you will not forget me as you will always feel my love as I look down on you today I know why you are sad but please remember even here in heaven you are still my mom and dad my
I love you
Tom Gugliuzza-Smith
August 2, 2007
My heartfelt sympathy to the Howdeshell family in the loss of William. I did not know William, but my heart is broken and I am saddened for your loss of such a fine young person and hero. May God bring you peace in your heart as you reflect on all the wonderful memories you hold so close. Please know that you are in my heart and prayers. My heart was touched by the many wonderful/beautiful things written about you. William you are my hero and you will NEVER be forgotten. I live close to ARLINGTON NATIONAL CEMETERY and I visit there frequently. Each time I am at ANC I will visit/honor William.
I send each of you a hug from the most inner part of my heart.
Love and Peace
Tom
"To live in the hearts
of those you leave behind
is never to die"
~Robert Orr~
Tom Gugliuzza-Smith
August 2, 2007
My heartfelt sympathy to the Howdeshell family in the loss of William. I did not know William, but my heart is broken and I am saddened for your loss of such a fine young person and hero. May God bring you peace in your heart as you reflect on all the wonderful memories you hold so close. Please know that you are in my heart and prayers. My heart was touched by the many wonderful/beautiful things written about you. William you are my hero and you will NEVER be forgotten.
I send each of you a hug from the most inner part of my heart.
Love and Peace
Tom
"To live in the hearts
of those you leave behind
is never to die"
~Robert Orr~
Patsy Jo Reed Sircy
August 2, 2007
Sincere sympathy and love, Pat - R.N. in TN
Sandy Bonesteel
August 1, 2007
As the mother of a son who is deployed, I want to send my condolences. Please know that there are many, many people who grieve with you.
Carol Cline
July 31, 2007
Sgt. William Howdeshell and Family:
Know in your heart that you are a true hero and will never be forgotten. All gave some, some gave all. Rest in peace. You will be missed by everyone’s life you have touched.
To the family, as the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life’s routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family, friends, and all Americans for the sacrifice of one of your family members for our freedom. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. May you find comfort in the loving embrace of our Heavenly Father.
SHIRLEY DONEY
July 31, 2007
REST IN PEACE WILLIAM, TO YOUR FAMILY AND FRIENDS MAY THE MEMORIES OF THIS WONDERFUL SOLDIERS LIFE FILL YOUR HEARTS WITH BEAUTIFUL MEMORIES
GOD BLESS YOU
ROBYN GARSIDE
July 31, 2007
MAY GOD BLESS YOU AND YOURS. PLEASE ACCEPT MY DEEPEST CONDOLENCES FOR YOUR GREAT LOSS. KNOW THAT THERE ARE PEOPLE OUT HERE WHO DO CARE AND YOUR HERO WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN....HOLD TIGHT TO YOUR TREASURED MEMORIES THAT HIS SPECIAL SMILE MAY CONTINUE TO SHINE ON. I PRAY THAT PEACE WILL FIND YOU ALL SOMEDAY. GODSPEED AND SEMPER FI.
A PROUD MARINE MOM
July 31, 2007
If this person can stand in battle to ensure my freedom, then I will stand in grief with his/her family to honor him/her. For every fallen HERO there is a bright star that shines in the evening sky to remind us of the cherished gift we were given – even if for too short a time.
My heart breaks again as I sign yet another guest book of another courageous young soldier who gave their life so selflessly. I wish I never found myself in a position to have to sign another guest book for the rest of my life, but I promised Le Ron A. Wilson (a dear friend KIA 7/6/07, 18yrs old) that neither he nor any like him would be forgotten and so I will continue until the day there is no longer the need.
PROUD MOTHER OF A U.S. SOLDIER
Althea Barrett(Queens, NY)
Garnet Jenkins
July 31, 2007
The price Sgt. William R. Howdeshell and his family have paid for this country and for freedom, Will Never Be Forgotten. Please know how Deeply Sorry I am to learn of the loss of this Brave Soldier.
May William rest safely now, in the Loving Care of God and may the Grace and Comfort of the Lord be with the Howdeshell family.
There will Never Be Enough Ways to Humbly Thank these Heroes for their Sacrifices, my brother among them. Killed in action in Vietnam in 1967.
"I consider that our present sufferings.
are not worth comparing with the glory
that shall be revealed in us."
~ Romans 8:18 ~
May you find Peace in knowing the love and memories you have, will remain in your heart forever and that this Country Will Not Forget William's Sacrifice.
You are in my thoughts and prayers.
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