Obituary: Howley, Richard Leon
Age 84
HOWLEY,
Richard
Leon
CSM US Army
Born April 12, 1932 in Watertown, NY.
The only child of Leon and Dora Howley, passed away peacefully May 4, 2016 in Spokane, WA at age 84.
Richard was preceded in death by his parents; his son, Michael and his granddaughter, Daron.
He is survived by his sons, Charles, Robert and his daughter, Diane; as well as seven grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.
Richard graduated from Watertown High School in 1950 and enlisted in the service in 1952.
He was stationed in Germany where he met Alice Rubek.
They were married in Munich and had their first child.
Then they were off to Kansas, and from there to the great Pacific Northwest at Fort Lawton in Seattle, WA.
He was stationed in Korea and served honorably in the Vietnam War.
He thankfully returned home to his family.
He retired from the Army in 1979 and earned a Bachelor’s degree from Eastern Washington University in 1980.
He also retired from the United States Postal Service.
Richard enjoyed many things in life.
He was a boxer, bowler, baseball coach and umpire.
He was an avid huntsman and fisherman.
He loved the theater, music and dancing.
He also enjoyed playing Santa at Christmas.
He was an active member of the VFW, a Shriner and a Mason.
He volunteered for many charitable organizations.
Richard saw a bit of the world with his travels while in the service and made many friends along the way.
His favorite trip was with his father to Ireland in 1992.
They had a grand time.
He was very proud of his Irish Heritage.
A memorial service with Military Honors will be held May 21, 2016 at 12:00 at St. Joseph Cemetery, Spokane Valley.
A reception will follow at VFW 51 in Spokane.
The family would like to thank David Beseler for his support and a special note of gratitude to Heidi Bozett, Karen Simmons and staff at Fairview Assisted living for your care, comfort and compassion.
Donations may be made in Richard’s honor to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital www.stjude.org.