World War II Hero Passes Away
Calvin Leroy Howarth passed away Monday, August 19, 2024 at Baptist Village of OKC in Oklahoma City at the age of 99.
Calvin was born August 24, 1924 in Newkirk, Oklahoma to James “Roy” Howarth and Esther Elvira (McEwen) Howarth. He graduated from Newkirk High School. Calvin married Wanda LaRue Nicar on May 20, 1944 in Wetumka, Oklahoma.
Calvin served in the U.S. Army Air Forces during WWII, Pacific Theater, and in the Oklahoma National Guard 45th Infantry Division when the guard was called into active duty in Korea. He worked as an auto mechanic with Ford Motor Company in Wetumka, as a “roughneck” on an oil rig, and as a sales representative for Holsum Bread. In retirement, he worked for the Camp Oil Company, was a bus driver for Holdenville Schools, mowed lawns for many people, and was a greeter at Wal-Mart in Holdenville.
Calvin served as a Deacon at the First Baptist Church in Holdenville. He was also a member of the Holdenville Masonic Lodge and served as Worshipful Master.
He enjoyed sports, OU football, camping, fishing, Thunder basketball, St. Louis Cardinals, and gardening. Calvin loved spending time with his family and friends.
Calvin is preceded in death by his parents; wife Wanda Howarth; grandson Brad Horton; brothers Edward Howarth and Lyle Howarth; and sisters Iris Dye, Oral Hoke, and Nellie Kirkbride.
He is survived by his son, James Howarth and Mary Jane of Tulsa; daughter, Beverly Horton of Tulsa; grandchildren Dr. Kevin James Howarth and wife Sarah of Tulsa, and Heather Duvall and husband, Matt of Tulsa. Calvin is also survived by numerous other relatives and friends. Viewing will be 9:00 am - 7:00 pm, Thursday, August 22nd, at Hudson-Phillips Funeral Home. Family will greet visitors from 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm, Thursday, August 22nd, at Hudson-Phillips Funeral Home. Funeral service will be 2:00 pm, Friday, August 23rd, at Hudson-Phillips Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor James Poulain officiating. Interment will follow at
Holdenville Cemetery. Pallbearers are James Howarth, Dr. Kevin Howarth, Matt Duvall, Dr. Thomas Nunn, Jack Nicar, Jr., Mike Mullen. Honorary pallbearers are Donnie Hardwick, Robert Horton, Tyler Horton, Davis James Howarth, Shepard Howarth, Hunter Horton, and Bryson Horton.
Services are under the direction of Hudson-Phillips Funeral Home, Holdenville.