Gordon Howard, 77

April 27, 1945 —

Dec. 28, 2022

 

FORMERLY OF CRESCO - Gordon Kenneth Howard, age 77 of Columbia, Mo., passed away on Tuesday, Dec. 28, 2022.

A private Celebration of Life is planned for a later date. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions can be made to pancreatic cancer research organi- zation: Lustgarten Foundation

Arrangements are under the direction of Parker-Millard Funeral Service & Crematory. Condolences may be left online for the family at www.parkermillard.com.

Gordon was born in Charles City, Iowa on April 27, 1945 the son of  Kenneth and Marjorie (Fisk) Howard.

He grew up in Cresco, Iowa, where he graduated from Crestwood High School in 1963. 

He was part of the Howard clan that was all around Cresco back in the late 1950s and early 1960s.  He was a grandson of the musical/contractor Fisk (Fiske) family from Cresco, which is no longer in the area. 

He attended the University of Northern Iowa graduating with a BA degree in 1967 and  obtained his Masters Degree at the University of Iowa in 1973.  

He worked a majority of his career in the area of corrections in Iowa and Missouri. He was the Director of Volunteer Services for the Missouri Department of Corrections. In addition, he worked as a grants writer at the University of Iowa, University of North Texas and the University of Missouri and worked for the American Lung Association of Missouri.  

Gordon married Dianne Orton in 1975. They enjoyed entertaining, spending time with their children and grandchildren, trout fishing and international travel, especially to South Africa.

The couple owned and operated Kids’ Depot, Kids’ Farm and Dirty Duds Laundry in Columbia.

Gordon was witty, artistic and had a way with words. Through the years he was a frequent contributor to TribTalk and KFRU Columbia Morning with David Lile. He was a true Renaissance man, who could fix, repair and build almost anything. He loved teaching and helping his daughters with home repairs, remodeling projects and car maintenance. He enjoyed owning and working on cars, especially British ones. His pride and joy was refurbishing a 1964 Morgan Plus 4 sports car. He liked listening to jazz and big band music and was able to play multiple instruments. He loved a good cigar, Bourbon and lively conversation with friends.

Gordon is survived by his wife of 47 years, Dianne; his daughter, Hilary (Orton-Howard) (Jeff) Trammell of Columbia, and her two children, Natalie and Henry; daughter,  Whitney (Orton-Howard) (Matthew) Quinn of Smithtown, N.Y., and three sons, Gavin, Miles and Kellen; and brother, Steve Howard of Key Largo, Fla.