Clarence Bud Howard

Clarence L. "Bud" Howard, age 94, of Bellevue passed away Sunday, January 7, 2018 at Reflections Assisted Living in Battle Creek. He was born December 13, 1923 in Battle Creek the son of Charles and Estella (Nichols) Howard. As a young man Bud met a beautiful girl at the Calhoun County Fair that caught his attention. Her name was Jean Hutchins. Not long after that on October 10, 1944, they were married. Bud proudly served his country in the US Army during WWII. Prior to enlisting in the Army, he served as a Merchant Marine. He and Jean later settled on a farm in Bellevue. There they raised their three children. While farming Bud also worked for the Grand Trunk Railroad, retiring in 1984. Bud and Jean were proud to celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary together with his three siblings on December 29, 1994. Bud enjoyed spending time outdoors. Whether it was farming, hunting, fishing, or working in his beautiful garden, Bud loved it all. He was also a magnificent woodworker. Many family members are lucky enough to have a treasured heirloom that was expertly crafted with lumber cut and milled from his farm. Bud is survived by his grandchildren: Daniel Howard, Rhonda Howard, Sarah (Michael) Clift PhD, Jessica Tirrell; 4 great grandchildren; son-in-law, Jeffrey Frayer; daughter-in-law, Sandra Howard; brother, Calvin Howard; and sister, Dora Gould. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Jean on March 23, 1995; children: Ronald Howard, David Howard, Pamela Frayer; sister, Cora Beebe; and brother, Don Howard. Funeral services will be held on Friday, January 12, 2018 at 11AM at the Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home, Charlotte with Rev. Nancy VanderRoest officiating. The family will receive friends on Thursday from 6-8 PM at the funeral home. Interment will follow at Riverside Cemetery, Bellevue. Those desiring may make contributions in Buds honor to Great Lakes Caring Hospice.