George Anthony Howard, 84, of Winner, SD made his journey to the spirit world on Jan. 14, 2022 at his home in Winner, SD.
Funeral service was held on Monday, Jan. 24, 2022 at 2 p.m. at the Winner Ideal Community Hall in Winner, SD. Burial will follow at a later date.
Wake services was held on Saturday and Sunday, Jan. 22 and 23 beginning at 6 p.m. at the Winner Ideal Community Hall.
George was born in Bad Nation, SD on Dec. 14, 1937 to Nora (McLean) Clairmont and Robert Howard. George was the last surviving sibling and the only son of six children.
George lived a solitary existence and was an exceptionally private person, very few knew little about his life, nevertheless you could always count on him to be there and support his family in time of need. He sometimes came across as a “grumpy grandpa” yet he had a special bond with his Great Niece Jennifer DuBray as she was the only kid he would allow to visit him. They enjoyed their time watching cartoons, eating snacks and drinking pop. This special bond carried onto Jennifer’s youngest daughter Taya as they enjoyed their weekly run-ins at the store.
George spent his later years up until the day of his passing living his peaceful daily routine which included trips to the post office and Lil Feller. He overcame many obstacles in his life which included changing his lifestyle for the better, surviving cancer and improving his health. He liked to stay fit by lifting weights. He was a hard worker and loved carpentry of any kind. George worked and lent a helping hand to many of the local farmers and in the 50’s he helped build the interstate.
For those of you who knew George when he told you he would come by to visit that often meant a slow drive past your house. George didn’t usually have much to say, but when around his family the pride in his eyes and content smile on his face said it all.
George is survived by many nieces and nephews, his grandchildren and countless great nieces and nephews who are considered grandchildren in the traditional Lakota way.
Maternal nieces and nephews of George Anthony Howard are Fern DuBray, Molly DuBray, Ethel Sharkey (DuBray), John DuBray, Kathy Peneaux (DuBray) Andy DuBray, Janice DuBray, Jason DuBray, Bernadette Howard, Sandra Rouse, Cleo Rouse, Gail Rouse, Cynthis Odegard, Charlotte Rouse, and Rusty Odegard. Grandchildren are Laura Basaldua, Shaun Klinger, Brent Klinger, Summer Klinger-Van Wagner, Jolynn Thalman, Amber Thalman and his son Craig Night Pipe. “Family are like branches on a tree, we all grow in different directions, yet our roots remain as one.”
George is preceded in death by his Mother Nora, Father Robert, his daughter Maxine, his sisters Dorothy, Betty Jane, Wilma, Arlene and Mary Lou, his niece Mona DuBray, nephew Michael Odegard, Henry Odegard, Billy Rouse, JR Rouse, great-grandchild Netaya Dream and numerous other loved ones.
“But as God calls us one by one the chain will link again.”
Loading ...