Jon David Howland, 77, of Woodville, AL, passed away Monday, February 15 after a long battle with cancer.
Jon was born in Chelsea, MA to Ralph and Ruth (Moore) Howland on July 22, 1943. Jon joined a sister, June Priscilla. Jon’s father was in the Navy and the family traveled the country and world together, living in many places, including Okinawa, Japan.
Jon graduated from Cooper High School in Abilene, TX in 1962. He joined the Navy straight out of high school. Jon served as a construction electrician in the Seabees.
On February 7, 1970, Jon married Sharon Rose Unger in San Diego, CA. They made their home in Lakeville, IN. To this union, Mark David Howland was born on October 30, 1971.
After his military career, Jon worked many jobs including NASA, Glenmark Industries, and Espich Trucking. Jon became owner operator and drove a semi. This allowed him to continue to travel all over the country. Eventually, he retired to Woodville, AL. Jon was active in many churches during his life. Prior to his death, he became a member of Trading Post Cowboy Church, where he loved to sing. Jon loved God and people and enjoyed visiting any chance he could. Jon made necklaces with small wooden crosses. He would give these to those he met and to others at the cancert center. He felt this was his ministry to tell others of Christ’s love.
Jon is survived by his first wife, Sharon Kline of South Bend, IN; and his widow, Mildred (Wells) Howland of Woodville, AL; his son, Mark (and Dawn); and five grandsons, Jerod, Daron, William, Robert, and Nathan; and a great granddaughter, Hazel; sister, June Szukits; and nephew, Christian Szukits of Vienna, Austria. Jon is also survived by his many family members that he attained through his marriage with Mildred. He will be greatly missed.
