Howard Samuel Koontz, 99, died peacefully at home on Saturday, May 19, 2018, surrounded by the love and comfort of his children.
Born June 8, 1918, in Ronceverte, WV, he was the son of Samuel Dixon and Connie Reynolds Koontz.
He married Evelyn Pearl Loving, who was the love of his life. He was devoted to her from the day they met and looked forward to spending eternity with her. She preceded him in death 75 years later in 2012.
They left West Virginia in 1937 to pursue a career and raise his family in Erie, PA. He retired from the American Sterilizer Company after 33 years of service in quality control.
Howard was a loyal and devoted husband, father, grandparent, employee, friend and citizen. He gave from the heart, expecting nothing in return. He lived his Christian life, exemplifying what a true servant of God looks like. He was an active member of the Assembly of God Church in Erie and supported missions both in church and out. He faithfully attended and supported Eakle Chapel Methodist Church in White Sulphur Springs, WV, since his retirement in 1976.
He was a 25-year member of Crawford and Erie County Auxiliary State Police, volunteered for the Red Cross in Erie and taught first aid for many years. He is a 50 year-plus Mason and Past Master of Allegheny Masonic Lodge 136 in White Sulphur Springs. He was also a 50-year member of Beni Kedem Shriners organization, volunteering in many ways and at the State Fair booth until two years ago.
Howard followed his heart back to West Virginia to his farm when he retired in 1976, and enjoyed many long and productive years close to much of his family. He had a love of aviation and became a private pilot after retirement. He had many hobbies and talents. He loved photography and was known as “Mr. Fix-It” by family and friends. He was always gentle, kind and appreciative of what others did for him. He was lovingly known as Papa to all the family and was a true patriarch.
He was preceded in death by his wife Evelyn; son, John Koontz and his wife, Louise; grandson, Jeffrey Kelly; and sister, Louise Bittinger.
Howard is survived by daughters, Ruby Kelly (Calvin), Rita Bittinger (Chuck) of White Sulphur Springs; son, Daniel Koontz (Barbara) of the Villages, FL; sister, Jean Flint of Beckley, WV; 10 grandchildren, 27 great grandchildren and 24 great-great grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.
Funeral service will be held Sunday, June 3, 2018, at 1 p.m. at Eakle Chapel Methodist Church in White Sulphur Springs, with the Rev. Ed Vallan-dingham officiating. Burial will follow in Greenbrier Memorial Gardens.
Visitation to share and cherish memories will be from 6–8 p.m. Saturday, June 2, at Wallace & Wallace Funeral Home, White Sulphur Springs.
Special thanks are extended to his caregiver, Lisa Burns Taylor, for the loving care and support she provided to Howard and his family, Dr. Emily Griffith, and the White Sulphur Springs Rescue Squad.
Expressions of sympathy may be made to The Shriners Hospital for Children, 1900 Richmond Road, Lexington, KY 40502-124. Call 859-266-2101 or visit www.shrinershospitalforchildren.org.
Online condolences may be sent by visiting WallaceandWallaceFH.com.
Wallace & Wallace Funeral Home in White Sulphur Springs is in charge of arrangements.
Obituary originally published in the May 29, 2018 edition of The West Virginia Daily News.
This page is available to subscribers. Click here to sign in or get access.