Gailord A Howard

Gailord A. Howard, age 93 of Columbus, passed away peacefully on Thursday, March 25, 2021 at his residence. He was born December 5, 1927 in the Town of Tonawanda, NY, son of the late Frederick C. and Jessie E. (Gillis) Howard. He graduated from Kenmore Senior High School, Kenmore, NY as an August 1945 graduate in the Class of 1946, then served honorably in the United States Army Corps. Of Engineers during World War II.

After being discharged, he married Eleanor K. “Mickey” (Hylkema) Howard. Gail and Mickey raised their family in Springville, NY then headed West to Phoenix, AZ before retiring in Pickerington, OH. Gail was a gifted salesman and a Jack-of-all-Trades.  There wasn’t anything he couldn’t sell.  As the owner of a convenience store, a car dealership, or in wholesale plumbing sales, Gail was always looking forward to the next life adventure. At the chagrin of his wife, the next life dream usually started before the current dream was fulfilled.

Gailord is survived by his children, Dale M. (Kathy) Howard, of Somerset, NY, Eleanor N. “Babe” (Ed) Buggie, of Pickerington, OH, and Jennifer A. (Tom) Mayper-Theller, of Amanda, OH; Daughter-in-Law, Cindy Howard, of St. Augustine, FL; Grandchildren, Sarah (Mark) and Daniel, Keith (Katina) and Renee (Drew), Kyle (Maggie) and Katie (Chad), and Becky (Ryan) and Michael (Sophie); eleven great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.  He is preceded in death by his parents; his wife of 69 years, Mickey; son, Kevin A. Howard; brother, Kermit Howard.

A private memorial service and inurnment with military honors will be held, at a later date, at Dayton National Cemetery, Dayton, OH. Cremation has been arranged in the care of Taylor-Theller Funeral & Cremation Service, Amanda, OH. 

Memorial contributions may be made to Gailord’s favorite charity, Disabled American Veterans, P.O. Box 14301, Cincinnati, OH 45250 and to The Hope Foundation, Capital City Hospice, 2800 Corporate Exchange Dr. Suite 170, Columbus, OH 43231

Gailord’s family would like to extend a heart-felt thank you to the staff of Cherry Blossom Senior Living and Capital City Hospice. Your care and dedication were evident in the peaceful way Gail lived his last several weeks.

Condolences may be made at www.mytaylorfuneralhome.com.