Obituary for Howard E. Boyd, Jr.
Lieutenant Colonel Howard Edward Boyd Jr. passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family on June 13, 2014. Howard was born January 2, 1930 to Mary Elizabeth and Howard Boyd Sr. in Kalamazoo MI. He had one sister Barbara. Overcoming many adversities, he grew into a hardworking, intelligent young man who joined the United States Army. His selfless dedication to this country began in 1948 and continued for 22 years. During that time, he completed two tours in the Korean War and one tour in the Vietnam War. He was shot down three times and was a POW for 2 years. A true American hero, he earned a Silver Star, multiple Bronze Stars, a Purple Heart and numerous other medals, however, Howard’s focus was always on his fellow soldiers and the memories of these men would accompany him for the rest of his life.
While stationed in Germany, Howard saw a beautiful red head through a shop window and fell in love. He wed Irene Moll on August 22, 1958 and that love would last 55 years, with her by his bedside at the end. Howard took great pride in telling how long he had been married, cherishing Irene. Together they created a family of four children, thirteen grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
After retiring from the Army, Howard earned his B.S. in Electrical Engineering from Youngstown State University. Going to work for Roper Corporation brought his family to Richardson, Texas. During his electrical engineering career, he also worked for Texas Instruments and finally Martin Marietta which brought his family to Orlando. After retiring from engineering, Howard reinvented himself yet again and became a Disney Cast Member. He loved his job at Disney and approached it with the same enthusiasm and dedication seen throughout his life. He earned the Spirit of Disney and the Partners in Excellence Award, in which he took great pride.
Howard was a sport parachutist and completed 735 jumps during his lifetime. Quick with a smile and a joke, calling everyone by their first name, he loved to make people laugh. He enjoyed his family and never let anyone down. If Howard said he would do something, he did it. Howard was deeply loved by all those who knew him and he will be profoundly missed. The memories of Howard and his amazing life will sustain his family and friends. As Howard would say, “I’m so good, I’m almost illegal.”
Howard is survived by his wife, Irene and their four children; Richard Boyd and wife Candace, Russell Boyd and wife Johnna, Robin Zais and husband Michael, Ryan Boyd and wife Laura. His grandchildren; Jason and wife Merrissa, Jennifer and husband Scott, Jordon, Alayna, Amanda, Jack, Andrew, Kyle, Olivia, Taylor, Georgia, Alexander and Dylan. His great-granddaughters, Brooke and Jayden. He was preceded in death by his sister Barbara Snipes.
Howard will be laid to rest with full military honors at Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell, FL. Arrangements are being handled by Banfield Funeral Home, www.banfieldfuneralhome.com. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Howard’s honor to the Wounded Warrior Project at www.woundedwarriorproject.org/Donate
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While stationed in Germany, Howard saw a beautiful red head through a shop window and fell in love. He wed Irene Moll on August 22, 1958 and that love would last 55 years, with her by his bedside at the end. Howard took great pride in telling how long he had been married, cherishing Irene. Together they created a family of four children, thirteen grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
After retiring from the Army, Howard earned his B.S. in Electrical Engineering from Youngstown State University. Going to work for Roper Corporation brought his family to Richardson, Texas. During his electrical engineering career, he also worked for Texas Instruments and finally Martin Marietta which brought his family to Orlando. After retiring from engineering, Howard reinvented himself yet again and became a Disney Cast Member. He loved his job at Disney and approached it with the same enthusiasm and dedication seen throughout his life. He earned the Spirit of Disney and the Partners in Excellence Award, in which he took great pride.
Howard was a sport parachutist and completed 735 jumps during his lifetime. Quick with a smile and a joke, calling everyone by their first name, he loved to make people laugh. He enjoyed his family and never let anyone down. If Howard said he would do something, he did it. Howard was deeply loved by all those who knew him and he will be profoundly missed. The memories of Howard and his amazing life will sustain his family and friends. As Howard would say, “I’m so good, I’m almost illegal.”
Howard is survived by his wife, Irene and their four children; Richard Boyd and wife Candace, Russell Boyd and wife Johnna, Robin Zais and husband Michael, Ryan Boyd and wife Laura. His grandchildren; Jason and wife Merrissa, Jennifer and husband Scott, Jordon, Alayna, Amanda, Jack, Andrew, Kyle, Olivia, Taylor, Georgia, Alexander and Dylan. His great-granddaughters, Brooke and Jayden. He was preceded in death by his sister Barbara Snipes.
Howard will be laid to rest with full military honors at Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell, FL. Arrangements are being handled by Banfield Funeral Home, www.banfieldfuneralhome.com. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Howard’s honor to the Wounded Warrior Project at www.woundedwarriorproject.org/Donate
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