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Rev. Donald T. Howard, 71, retired associate member of the BWC, died Nov. 16, 2010, in the Hospice House of St. Mary’s in Callaway. The Revs. Doug and Lori Hays officiated at a memorial service at Lexington Park UMC Nov. 19. His ashes were interred at the St. George Island UMC cemetery in a private family service.

After graduating from High School in 1957, Howard enlisted in the U.S. Navy Air Reserve, which became a career. He served at several stations in Florida, Louisiana, Washington, DC, and Patuxent River, retiring in 1978 as an Avionics Master Chief.

He began a second career in his field with several defense contractors, including working from 1980 until November 2000 when he retired from PMA 207 Naval Air Systems Command in November 2000.

While working at PMA-207, he met and married Leilani Pearl Watts, his wife of 28 years.

In 1989, Howard felt the call to ministry and began studies at Wesley Theological Seminary, graduating in 1994. He was ordained an Elder in 2002.

Howard began service in 1992 as a local pastor at St. George Island UMC, remaining almost 10 years. During part of that time he also preached an early service at First Friendship UMC in Ridge. (St. George Island UMC has merged with two other churches to become First Saints Community UMC in Leonardtown.) He also served Olivet UMC in Lusby for a few months in 2001, and was then appointed to Howard Chapel/Ridgeville Charge in 2002. He retired from there in January 2007.

In addition to his wife, Howard is survived by his children: Susan Clarke of the Sailing Vessel S/V Calypso of Marina Del Rey, Calif.; Leroy M. McCarty of Overland Park, Kan.; Karl O. Howard of Shepherd AFB in Wichita Falls, Texas; and Michelle L. Oyama of Charlottesville, Va; and four grandchildren

Condolences may be sent to Mrs. Leilani Howard, 22648 Parkview Drive, California, MD 20619.

Memorial contributions may be made to Lexington Park UMC, 21760 Great Mills Road, Lexington Park, MD 20653-3801.