A funeral liturgy for Thomas H. “Bud” Howshar Jr, 86, will be held at 11 a.m., Wednesday, June 2 at Saint Anthony’s Catholic Church in Guernsey with Father Andrew Duncan as the Celebrant. Interment will be held at the Prairie Rest Cemetery near Guernsey.
A vigil for the deceased was held Tuesday, June 1 at Saint Anthony’s Catholic Church.
Bud Howshar passed away Tuesday, May 18 at the Cheyenne Regional Medical Center in Cheyenne.
Bud was the fourth child and first son of Thomas H. and Mary Helen (Hytrek) Howshar. He was born at the Howshar homestead north of Hartville on Saturday, June 2, 1934. When he was 2 years old the family moved to Hartville. His father worked in an iron ore mine at nearby Sunrise. Bud grew up in Hartville with his sisters and brother. He had a horse named ‘ole Blue’ that children tried to ride. He raised rabbits and tended a large garden. When he was older, he had what he called a real job at the Sunrise YMCA. He worked at the soda fountain, set bowling pins for bowlers, and helped the janitor. He and his brother helped their father deliver oil, sand, and lumber. He was always busy. He said that the only difference between work and play was that he got paid to work.
He and many other young people helped town folk build the original Saint Anthony Catholic Church in Hartville. He served as an altar boy and loved to sing in the choir at church. During his high school and college summers he earned money for school by working on the railroad section gang to repair the track. He found time to play baseball in two different leagues. He treasured many friendships as he progressed through school. He graduated from Sunrise High School in 1952. He was awarded a scholarship to Colorado State College of Education (Northern Colorado University). He became a member of Theta Xi fraternity and joined Arnold Air Society. He met Agnes Doxtator in January 1955. He graduated in June 1956 with a Bachler of Science in Mathematics. After graduation and commissioning in the United States Air Force as a second Lieutenant, he accepted an assignment to UCLA to study Meteorology. He graduated as a Meteorologist in 1957. He was a member of the American Meteorological Society.
He and Agnes were married in Greeley, Colo. on Sept. 7, 1957. He was assigned as a staff meteorologist and began his long career in the United States Air Force at Tachikawa Air Force Base, Japan. His tours of duty included assignments in Japan, South Carolina, Alabama, Texas, Colorado, Italy, and Minnesota. He served on several inspection teams at Ent Air Force Base, Colorado Springs, Colo. and was the commander of weather detachments in Aviano, Italy, and Duluth, Minnesota. He was very active member of the military community. He played baseball, basketball, and bowled. He coached a championship little league baseball team. He retired with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel in November of 1976.
He, Agnes and their five sons returned to Wyoming and he began a new career. He took over the family hardware store and learned the business from his father. After 36 years he retired and his sons became the owners of the store, but he stayed close by to help if needed. He was proud of the business and called it a Howshar legacy. Number four son Charles described his dad thus: “He was not just a helper. He was an advisor and an ‘Owner Emeritus’.” During those years Bud was elected to the local school board and served over 17 years. He was a member of the VFW Post 4471 and lent his expertise as the Post Quartermaster. He was the Commander and Adjutant of J.J. Webb American Legion Post 95. He was a credit committee member of the Guernsey Community Federal Credit Union. He was a devoted member of Saint Anthony Catholic Church and helped with maintenance. He was a church trustee, Eucharistic Minister, and teacher. He was a 3rd order knight in Knights of Columbus. He was the Guernsey Airport Chairman.
He was an extremely hard worker and thoroughly enjoyed gardening. He loved playing cards especially Pinochle and Bridge. He credited his parents with teaching him the value of hard work and the need for a good education. He was diagnosed with Progressive Multiple Sclerosis which kept him from walking well, but he did not complain or feel sorry for himself. He had a zest for life and did not dwell on the past. He missed dancing especially with his sisters and nieces. He loved to sing.
He believed his parents gave him the example of humility. They practiced their Catholic Faith and did not tolerate idle hands. They encouraged their children to be useful, respectful, and productive. He practiced these virtues. After retirement he enjoyed trips to many countries. He and Agnes learned to find ferns in New Zealand and Chile. They were amazed by the weather in the Straights of Magellan. They shared several overseas trips with their children and grandchildren. A Papal Blessing given to him and his son, Mark from the hand of Pope John Paul at Saint Peter’s in Rome was a true blessing in his life. He said walking on the Great Wall in China was far more enjoyable than his tour in Vietnam. He did not talk about his experiences in Vietnam often. He enjoyed hearing from his military friends. During his military career he never forgot his men. As an officer and commander, he never asked one of them to do something he would not do. He was proud of his profession but did not brag about it. Although he wished to be able to walk upright and easily, he knew God had other plans. As he grew older, he became quieter and patient but he did not suffer fools easily. He was a kind, good man.
The death of his son, James Patrick left a real sadness in his life but this enhanced his ability to love and care more for his family and friends. He was loyal, unassuming, trustworthy, did not break confidences, and seldom complained even when others took advantage of his generosity and good nature. He had happy memories, his was a life well lived. He will be missed by many.
Bud was preceded in death by his son, James Patrick; parents, Tom and Mary Howshar; sisters, Frances and Mary Alice Stapleton; brother, Edward; niece, Mary Beth Howshar; brothers-in-law: Gene Stapleton, Roy Jeffries, and George Keyes; and daughter-in-law, Debbie Howshar.
He was survived by his wife, Agnes; sons, Brian (Debbie), David, John (Karin), Charles, and Mark Andrew; sister, Margaret Jeffries; sister-in-law, Mary Virginia Howshar; grandchildren, Michael Toney, Sara, Mackenzie, Aaron, Rachel, Matthew, Erik, Samantha, Kaleb, Alexis, and Brayden; and many loved nieces, nephews, and cousins.
A memorial to the Saint Anthony’s Building fund, 96 North Kansas Street, Guernsey, WY 82214 or to Saint Joseph’s Children Home, 1419 Main Street, Torrington, WY 82240 or to the VFW Post 4471 in Guernsey, Wyoming 82214 or to JJ Web American Legion Post 95 in Guernsey, WY 82214 would be appreciated by the family.
The Gorman Funeral Homes – Platte Chapel of Wheatland are in charge of the arrangements.
Condolences may be sent to the family at www.gormanfh.com
