Donald Wayne Howard

Friday, August 4, 2017
Mr. Donald Wayne Howard

Mr. Donald Wayne Howard, 66, of Blytheville, passed away Thursday, August 3, 2017 at Methodist University Hospital in Memphis.

Don was born to Elmer and Katherine (Summers) Howard in Manila. He was the owner and operator of Don’s Body Shop. He also served his country honorably in the United States Army. Don could hardly keep still and was always working with his hands. He liked inventing gadgets and even had a patent on the jack knife alarm. Don loved to fish and watch Nascar. He provided lawn services to several elderly in the community at almost no cost. When Don was in good health, he liked to water ski and enjoyed working with his son-in-law. His family was most important to him. Spending time with his grandchildren was his favorite hobby, along with his two beagles, Buddy and Fred. Don had a great sense of humor and was a big prankster.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Debbie Killingsworth Howard in 2003; his parents; a brother, Junior Howard; and sister, Patsy Howard.

Don leaves his life partner, Margie DeFries of Blytheville; four children, Tammy Swanson (Roger) of Blytheville, Jamie Allmon (Jimmy) of Armorel, Trevor Howard of Blytheville, and Jason Casinger of Paragould; two brothers, Jimmy Howard of Caraway and Tommy Howard of Leachville; one sister, Helen Gibson (Ricky) of Jonesboro; and nine grandchildren, Tyler Swanson, Allison Swanson Hinson (Bryce), Jacob Swanson, Shaila Allmon, Kayla Allmon, Jasmin Abazi, Tyler Preston Allmon, Dylan Casinger, and Trinity Casinger.

A memorial service will be held at 3 p.m. on Sunday, August 6 at North Tenth Street Baptist church with Dr. Max Briley officiating. A second memorial service with military honors will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that any memorials be made in Don’s name to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital. Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.cobbfuneralhome.com.