Sammie Howard Jr.

Sammie Howard Jr, 89, North Manchester passed away at 4:20 a.m. on February 13, 2020 at Peabody Healthcare Center, North Manchester. On October 2, 1930, Sammie was born to Sammie and Stella Mae (Whitaker) Howard in Salyersville, Kentucky.

Sam was a follower of Christ and loved God his father.  He was a member of the North Manchester Missionary Church and loved his church family as well.

He spent the majority of his work career at Ford Meter Box Company in Wabash where he worked in setup and as assistant foreman.  When Sam wasn’t working, he enjoyed; watching all sorts of sports, cheering on his favorite teams; the Cleveland Indians, Cleveland Browns, and Kentucky Wildcat Basketball.  In addition, Sam enjoyed woodworking for decades and especially enjoyed making cradles for his grandchildren and large bird and squirrel feeders as well.  His love of animals showed later in life through his dog Benji and Animal Planet TV, which became his favorite channel to watch at night.

Sam also loved his country and was a proud, patriotic veteran serving in the US Army, stationed in Korea, during the Korean War.

Most of all Sam loved his family.  He was a husband to the love of his life Sylvia for 57 years before her passing, and was a proud parent, grandparent and great grandparent as well.  His favorite times were spent enjoying quality time talking, playing and joking around with all members of his family.

He will be remembered for his kindness, compassion, and loving spirit.

The memory of Sammie Howard Jr. will be forever cherished by his son, Sammie E. (Sharon) Howard, Midland, Michigan; four daughters, Sue E. Howard, Rita M. (Steven McClure) Howard, Pamela K. Howard, Sheila A. (Mark) Hann all of North Manchester; seven grandchildren, Chad Betten, Brevard, North Carolina, Chris Betten, Ian Hann, Cody Hann all of North Manchester, Doug Betten, Rochester, Indiana, Madison Howard, Grand Rapids, Michigan, Skylar Howard, Midland, Michigan; seven great-grandchildren, Bryce Betten, Abbigail Betten, Allison Betten, Gavin Betten, Elin Betten, Jevin Rhoades, Jacey Rhoades. He was preceded in death by his parents and his wife.

Family and friends may call Monday, February 17, 2020 from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at McKee Mortuary, 1401 State Road 114 West, North Manchester. Funeral services for Sammie Howard Jr. will be held Tuesday, February 18, 2020 at 10:30 a.m. at McKee Mortuary. Reverend Ken Sistrunk will officiate the service and burial will be held at Oaklawn Cemetery, 600 Beckley Street, North Manchester, Indiana.

For those who wish to honor the memory of Sammie Howard Jr, memorial contributions may be made to the North Manchester Missionary Church, 806 State Road 114, North Manchester, Indiana 46962.

Arrangements are entrusted to McKee Mortuary.