Obituary of Virgil Howard

Virgil G. Howard was born in Harlan County, Kentucky on September 13, 1926. He was the son of the late Robert Howard and the late Ida (Simpson) Howard. Virgil served his country honorably and valiantly as a member of the United States Navy during the Second World War from 1942 until 1946. For many years Virgil was employed by the Ford Motor Company performing work on the assembly line. He married Stella Gray in 1973. Virgil was very talented with his hands. He liked to make birdhouses which he often gave away as gifts, and he even built his own garage. He was a good man, and valued his Christian faith. He loved to spend time with his wife Stella, and their favorite pastime was long, evening, country cruises in the car. He had attended the Monroe Full Gospel Church. Virgil G. Howard age 85 of Monroe passed away peacefully from this life at 8:40pm, Sunday, October 23, 2011 at the Sylvania Care and Rehabilitation Center in Sylvania, Ohio. He had been under the care of Odyssey Hospice. In addition to his parents his passing was preceded by two sisters, and a niece: Donna G. Saylor. To cherish his memory Virgil leaves his wife: Stella of Monroe; four step-children: Kathleen England, Damon England, and David England all of Monroe, and Kevin England of Toledo, Ohio; one brother: Mitt (Beatrice) Saylor of Addison; one nephew: Michael Lee Saylor; and one niece: Barbara Jean (Don) Robinson. Friends may gather from 4:00pm until 8:00pm, Tuesday, October 25, 2011 at Merkle Funeral Service, 2442 North Monroe Street (734) 384-5185. A Celebration of His Life will take place at 1:00pm on Wednesday, October 26, 2011 also at Merkle's with Rev. Harold Raines pastor of Monroe Full Gospel officiating. Procession will follow to Rath Cemetery in Rainsinville Township for burial. Graveside services will be under the auspices of Monroe VFW Post 1138. Online guests may leave words of inspiration and comfort, share a photo, make a donation, or send floral tributes by visiting www.merklefs.com and then selecting the Online Tributes page.