The Duncan Banner

Legacy

Related Photos

  • George Guinn Howe

    George Guinn Howe
January 27, 2012

George Guinn Howe

Staff Writer The Duncan Banner

DUNCAN — George Guinn Howe

Jan. 30, 1923 — Jan. 18, 2012

Dr. George Guinn Howe, 88, of Duncan, died on Wednesday, Jan. 18, 2012.

Memorial services were Thursday, Jan. 26, at the graveside, with only family present, granting Dr. Howe’s wishes.

He was born Jan. 30, 1923, in Duncan, to George Leo Howe and Ethel Bell Guinn. He was married Joan “Jody” Allen on March 29, 1945, in Duncan.

George graduated from Duncan High School. After high school, he attended Texas A&M University, the University of Arizona and San Diego State University.

He enlisted in the U.S. Air Force on Jan. 7, 1944, where he became a B-17 Bomber pilot, making the rank of captain. His duty was flight commander, leading 28 to 37 bombing planes on combat missions in WWII. While stationed in Foggia, Italy, he flew 50 combat missions into enemy territory and was shot down once behind enemy lines. He was decorated for his flying courage during the war, receiving the Distinguished Flying Cross, Distinguished Unit Badge, Six Bronze Service Stars and the Air Medal with three oak leaf clusters.

After the war, George attended the University of California at Berkeley, where he graduated with honors and received his doctorate in optometry. In 1951, Dr. Howe established his optometry practice in Duncan, where he would practice for 36 years.

He served the community in many ways. He was the first president of the Jaycees, receiving the Distinguished Service Award, a member of the Kiwanis Club and served on the Duncan School Board for nine years.

He was a loving and devoted husband, father and grandfather, being supportive in all of their activities. He was a huge influence in each of their lives.

After retirement he spent six months of the year fly fishing and hunting in Colorado, and the rest of the year in Duncan with his children and grandchildren. He was a man of many artistic talents, such as water color and oil painting, sculpting, photography and woodworking.

Dr. Howe was preceded in death by his parents.

Survivors include his wife Joan Howe; his son Jeff and wife Suzanne Howe, of South Fork, Colo.; his daughter Heather Radford, of Freemont, N.C.; four grandchildren, Josh Howe and wife Tiffany, Sarah Jones and husband Kevin, Tiffany Pruden and husband Capt. Michael Pruden, Cody and husband Danny Scott; and 11 great-grandchildren.

The family is most appreciative of Sue Mercer, who provided such wonderful care during his illness.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be sent to: Alzheimer’s Oklahoma Chapter 3555 NW 58th St., Suite 220, Oklahoma City, OK 73112.

Online condolences can be made at www.granthamfuneralhomes.com.

Text Only
Legacy
  • Howard Lawson


    Howard “Monk” Randall Lawson, 78, of Duncan passed away Sunday May 20, 2012, at Duncan Regional Hospital.
    Services will be at 2 p.m., Thursday, May 24, in the Don Grantham Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Kevin McKinnley officiating.

    May 21, 2012

  • Adolfo Magdaleno, Adolfo Magdaleno


    Adolfo Magdaleno, 90, longtime resident of Duncan, passed away Saturday, May 19, 2012, at Wilkins Nursing Home, surrounded by his family.
    Service will be 10 a.m., Tuesday, May 22, in the First United Methodist Church with the Dr. Rev. Greg Tolle offi

    May 21, 2012 1 Photo

  • Lois Hall Whitt Fulkerson Lois Hall Whitt Fulkerson

    May 10, 2012 1 Photo

  • William ‘Bills’ Marcus Lawson William ‘Bills’ Marcus Lawson

    May 10, 2012 1 Photo

  • Vonnett Iris Owens

     Vonnett Iris Owens, 89, died May 5, 2012, at her residence in Fox. Services are pending with Roberts Funeral Home in Healdton.

    May 6, 2012

  • Dillon, Holmes, Good obituaries

    Dillon, Holmes, Good obituaries

    April 27, 2012

  • David Inman David Nathanael Inman

    David Nathanael Inman, 60, died April, 23, 2012, in Waterford, Calif.

    April 27, 2012 1 Photo

  • Sandra Alene Brady Sandra Alene Brady


     Sandra Alene Brady, a resident of the Meridian community passed away Tuesday morning, April 24, 2012, at her home. She was 59 years old. A memorial service will be held at a later date.

    April 27, 2012 1 Photo

  • George Washington Carter Jr.

    LAWTON — George Washington Carter, Jr., 90, passed away Friday, April 20, 2012, in Lawton.
    Services will be held at 2 p.m. today, April 24, 2012, at the Callaway-Smith-Cobb Funeral Home, with the Rev. Joey Lansdale and Jack Graves officiating.

    April 23, 2012

  • Yvonne Blackerby

    SILOAM SPRINGS, Ark. — Former Duncan resident Yvonne Blackerby, 83, of Siloam Springs, Ark., died Wednesday, April 18, 2012.

    April 23, 2012