HOWARD, Gene Ragan

Vining Funeral Home, Safford, Arizona Gene Ragan Howard May 12, 1924 ~ August 6, 2012 Gene Ragan Howard was born May 12, 1924, in Hubbard, Arizona, to Nina Madeline Ragan and Seaborn Davis Howard. He was the second child in a family of four boys and one girl. Gene attended Thatcher Schools participating in football and baseball. He was the Student Body President in High School. On December 17, 1942, Gene married Dorothy Larson in the Mesa Arizona Temple. Drafted into the Army in September 1944, Gene fought on the front line in the Battle of Okinawa during World War II. When the war ended, his platoon was sent to Korea to help the people establish a government. Gene served his country proudly as First Sergeant returning home in 1946. He bought his first tractor with money he sent home to Dorothy and they began their life together and started a family. He was a farmer all his life and owned and operated the Eagles Roost and Howard’s Mobile Home Park. A lifelong dedicated active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Gene held many Church positions. Gene had a sharp mind and used it in his work and many hobbies. He loved woodworking and spent many hours making toys, furniture, Relief Society projects, breadboards, flag cases for veterans and many items he designed. His shop was never used to make money; he loved to give these projects as gifts to family and friends. His family was the center of his life. Gene entered into rest Monday evening, August 6, 2012, at his residence, surrounded by his loving children and grandchildren. Gene was preceded in death by: his wife, Dorothy, of 61 years; a grandson Tim Bryce; his parents; two brothers, Von and Glen; and a sister, Barbara. Gene is survived by: his brother, Irvin Howard; children, Ronald (Janice Allen) Howard, Nancy (Bill) Griffin, Jeanne (Brooks) Bryce, Mary (Dan) Bryce, Ruthie (Greg) Larson, and Patti (Mark) Kempton, 29 grandchildren and 105 great-grandchildren.