Rev. Charles M. Howard, age 87, of Marion, IL passed away at 1:30 p.m. on Friday, January 1, 2010 in Marion, IL.
He was born October 8, 1922 to Wade H. and Alice (Moss) Howard in Niagara, KY the 7th of eight children.
Charles answered the call of this nation by serving in the United States Army during WW II as an X-Ray Technician. After his period of faithful service he was discharged in 1946 with the rank of Corporal.
After he returned home from service he attended and was a graduate of Murray State University in May of 1950, majoring in Agriculture and Biological Science. He then went to Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary and received his Bachelor of Divinity in July of 1953. In 1977, Rev. Howard earned his Doctorate of Ministry from Luther Rice Seminary.
Rev. Howard served with the Illinois Baptist State Association, from 1957 – 1967, as an area missionary and worked with 40 missions that became churches. He also served with the Williamson County Baptist Association as Director of Missions from 1967 – 1987. After retiring, he served three years as pastor at Springhill Baptist Church of the Palzo Community southeast of Marion, IL. He currently was attending at Parrish Park Baptist Church of Marion, IL.
In his spare time he enjoyed reading, especially God’s word, and spending time in God’s creation hunting and fishing.
He is survived by his son and daughter-in-law, Jim and Patti Howard and daughter, Dottie Howard all of Marion, IL.
Rev. Howard was preceded in death by his parents, five brothers and two sisters.
Arrangements for Rev. Charles M. Howard have been entrusted to the Wilson-McReynolds Funeral Home, 900 N. Court Street, of Marion, IL.
A service of remembrance memorial service will be at 3:00 p.m., Sunday, January 10, 2010 at Springhill Baptist Church, located of the Palzo Community southeast of Marion, IL, with Rev. Brett Beasley, pastor of the Second Baptist Church of West Frankfort, IL presiding.
In lieu of flowers, the family has requested memorial contributions made to “The Baptist Children’s Home”. Memorial contribution envelopes will be available at the church and the funeral home or may be mailed in care of Wilson-McReynolds Funeral Home, P.O. Box 370, Marion, IL 62959.
For additional information please contact the funeral home by calling 618-993-2131.
