Darnell R. Howard

WILKES-BARRE Darnell R. Howard, 83 of Wilkes-Barre, passed away peacefully at his second home in Rutland, MA on Monday morning, April 1, 2013. Born in N.C., on July 7, 1929, he was a loyal son of the late Murray T. Howard and Lallie (McGhee) Howard. He was also preceded in death by his loving wife of 52 years, Lila M. Howard as well as his brother Bennie. He moved with his family to Wilkes-Barre as a teenager. He was a graduate of G.A.R. High School and served the United States as a veteran of the Air Force. He worked at the West Moreland Club for many years followed by working at the Pennsylvania Gas and Water Co. for 36 years until his retirement. He was a dedicated husband, father, coworker and friend to many. He will always be remembered for his generosity, calm presence and willingness to help anyone who needed a hand. His extended family, friends and colleagues will miss him greatly. He was a former member of the Bethel A.M.E. Church, where he was an Usher and Steward, maintaining the building, equipment and grounds of the church for years. He is survived by a son, Eric D. Howard, of Rutland, Mass.; and his extended group of loved ones including the The Cooper Family, of Upper Marlboro Md., The Daniel Family, of Oxford, N.C., The Harris Family, of Wilkes-Barre, The Todd Family, of Fort Washington, MD and The Walker Family, of Hyattsville, Md. He also leaves numerous nieces and nephews, friends and former co-workers. A Memorial Service will be held on April 25, 2013 at Kniffen O'Malley Funeral Home Inc., 465 S. Main St., Wilkes-Barre. Family and Friends may call from 5-7pm with a remembrance service to be held afterwards. Interment will be in the Oak Lawn Cemetery on Friday, April 26, 2013 at 10am. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in his name to the Salvation Army or the American Red Cross.