Herbert Melvin Howard, 71, Bennington, passed away in his home of a heart attack on Tuesday, June 5, 2018. He is survived by his wife, Bobbie Ditson Howard of the home; children, Vince Howard of Wisconsin, Victoria Howard of Los Cruces, NM, and Stephen Howard of Wichita; step-son, Patrick Ditson of Mayor, AZ; and five grandchildren.
Herb was born in Kansas City, KS on October 8, 1946 to Herbert and Lura “Opal” (Batcheller) Howard. He grew up in North Platte, NE and graduated from high school there. From there he went to Electronics Tech school in Denver, CO. In 1965, Herb joined the United States Air Force and served as a communications expert in the Philippines for three years.
Herb retired from the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department in 1998 after 29 years of service. He was from the graduating class of 1972.
Herb and Bobbie were united in marriage at the Episcopal Church in Bennington on October 12, 1996. They settled in rural Bennington and built their retirement home on 80 acres where they raised Red Angus cattle and assorted farm livestock.
Herb returned to work and was a manager at Sutherland’s Lumber Company in Salina where he worked for eight years. He then returned to law enforcement and worked as a Corrections Officer for seven years at the Ottawa County Sheriff’s Department until his death.
He enjoyed computers, electronics repair, boating, and fishing. He was a member of the Masonic Lodge for 25 years and served at the Canyon Country California Lodge and then in Minneapolis as well.
Herb had accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior. He is home with our Lord. He will be missed.
Memorial services with military honors will be at 10:00 A.M., Thursday, June 14 at the Bennington Bible Church. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the Bennington Bible Church.
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