CORSON, Howard Allen

Howard Allen Corson, 69, of Buckeye, died May 24, 2009, from cancer. He was born June 10, 1939, in Goshen, N.J. He is survived by his wife, Ginger Dawson; one son, Mark of Florida; one stepdaughter, Karine Shamlian of Pennsylvania; one stepson, Greg Alemian of Virginia; one sister, Judith Hunter of New Jersey; four grandchildren; and one great-grandchild. He graduated from Middle Top High School in 1957 and Rutgers University in 1961. He received an MBA from Auburn University in 1973. Corson attended flight school in 1966 and flew CH-3 and CH-53 helicopters, as well as other aircraft. He is a recipient of the Silver Star and Purple Heart awards. In 1976, he completed Armed Forces Staff College and ended his 22-year military career as chief of community relations for the Air Force assigned to the Pentagon. Following his career in the Air Force, Corson owned and operated a formal wear business in the Washington, D.C., area and a Mail Box, Etc. business. He retired in 1999. Visitation was Thursday evening. A service was held Friday at Thompson's Valley West Funeral Chapel, 926 S. Litchfield Road in Goodyear. Interment is scheduled at a later date at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Va.. Donations may be made to the Sundance Community Church Building Fund in Buckeye or the Arizona Humane Society or donor's choice. Visit www.thompsonfuneralchapel.com to offer condolences. Published in The West Valley View 5/29/2009.