Mr. Walter Charles Howard, Jr. “Sweet Walt” passed away at 10:25 pm Thursday, March 4, 2021 at his home with his family by his side.
Walt was born October 1, 1963 in Galesburg the son of Walter C. and Judi Kaye (Schraceo) Howard, Sr. He married Diane Poulson on February 26, 1983 in East Galesburg.
He is survived by his wife, Diane of Wataga; his two sons, Timothy C. (Samantha) Howard of New Glarus, Wisconsin and Mason (Alicia Garrison) Howard of Wataga; his two daughters, Jessica (Clint) Murphy of Athens, Illinois and Danielle (Robby Bush) Howard of Rio, Illinois; his two sisters, Lori (Dennis) Jackson of West Jersey, Illinois and Lynn (Chris) Anderson of Alpharetta, Georgia; seven grandchildren, Dylan, Van, Grayson, Parker, Brody, Paxton and Bennett and two grandchildren on the way and his mother-in-law, Ruth Pierce of Wataga. He is preceded in death by his parents, Walter C. Howard, Sr., Judy Woods, Lou Woods and his nephew, Jason Jackson.
Walt had a love for working on transmissions that stemmed from the influence of his step father, Lou and also from working at Louis Lakis Ford. This love continued on as Walt owned and operated his own shop on Grand Avenue, Walt’s Transmission Service. He graduated from ROVA High School in 1981 and continued his education attending a variety of trade classes. Walt loved to be social, participating in dart and golf leagues. He was an avid St. Louis Cardinals and Chicago Bear fan. Walt enjoyed listening to a wide genre of music. His favorite pastime was spending time with his family and friends.
Visitation will be 5:00-7:00 pm Thursday, March 11, 2021 at Hinchliff-Pearson-West Funeral Directors and Cremation Services Galesburg Chapel. Services will be 11:00 am Friday at the chapel with Chaplain Jordan Knight officiating. Due to guidelines associated with the COVID-19 pandemic, social distancing and facemasks will be required with limited occupancy. Burial will be in Warren County Hope Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the family to establish a memorial at a later date. Online condolences may be made at www.h-p-w.com
