FRANKLIN
Rev. Walter L. Howard, 92 of Franklin, passed away on Friday morning, September 20, 2024.
He was born on July 26, 1932 in Vincennes, Indiana to Ralph X. Howard, Sr. and Lida (Cotton) Howard. He married Anabel Howard on April 3, 1955. She preceded him in passing on June 8, 2013. Walter married Rose (Anderson) Howard on August 2, 2014. She lovingly survives. He is also survived by children, Beverly S. Reidy (Rick); LouAnne Mangin (Roger); Dan Howard (Pam) and Sarah Shea (Tom); Rose’s daughter, Rita Vernon; nine grandchildren and ten great grandchildren. He was preceded in passing by his parents; wife, Anabel; granddaughter, Brittany Howard and brother, Ralph Howard, Jr. and sister, Virginia Hancock.
He received his Associated Degree from Vincennes University and later received his Bachelor’s Degree from Franklin College. He later graduated in 1960 from Central Baptist Seminary in Kansas.
Rev. Howard was the Chaplain for twenty-one years from 1976 to 1997 at the Indiana Masonic Home in Franklin. He pastored at several American Baptist Churches over the years.
Rev. Howard was a member of the Calvary Baptist Church in Greenwood.
He was an Honorary 33rd degree Mason. He was a member of the Jubilee Lodge No. 745, F &A M in Whiteland, Indiana and the Franklin Chapter No. 439, Order of Eastern Star. He was a member of the Indianapolis Valley Scottish Rite where he was a Chorus member. Through the Masonic community, Rev. Howard was well known as “Wally the Clown”, providing entertainment and fellowship to many of the Masonic Home Residents as well as the residents’ families throughout the years. He was a member of the Kiwanis International where he served as a Past Lieutenant Governor. He was an Amateur Radio Operator.
Pastor Dave Cook will conduct a Celebration of Life Service for Rev. Howard on Monday, September 30, 2024 at 1:00 p.m. at the Calvary Baptist Church, 200 Sunset Blvd., Greenwood, Indiana 46142. Visitation for family and friends will be on Sunday, September 29, 2024 from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Flinn and Maguire Funeral Home, 2898 North Morton Street, (U.S. 31 North) in Franklin with a Masonic Service at 3:45 p.m. at the funeral home. An additional visitation will be on Monday, September 30th from 12:00 p.m. to time of service at 1:00 p.m. at the Calvary Baptist Church. Burial will be at Greenlawn Cemetery in Franklin, Indiana.
Expressions of caring and kindness may be received by the family at www.flinnmaguire.net
