Eldon 'Don' Howard, 93

Eldon “Don” Howard passed away July 26, 2020, at North Valley Hospital with family members by his side holding his hand.

He was born in Hettinger, North Dakota, Jan. 16, 1927, to Milo and Arabelle Howard. The family moved to Kalispell in 1934.

After graduating from Flathead County High School, Eldon enlisted in the Navy and attended Naval Air Gunner Training. He graduated from the Combat Air Training unit in Pensicola, Florida, on Nov. 15, 1945. Eldon married Rae Parks on Aug. 9, 1947.

Eldon hired out with the Great Northern Railroad on June 9, 1949, and after 40 years, retired as BNSF locomotive engineer on June 17, 1989. Eldon and Rae raised two sons and three loyal German

shepherds.

He is survived by his wife, Rae, of 73 years; two sons, Gary (Sharon) Howard and Darrell (Wendyolyn) Howard; and grandchildren, Jessica Howard, Tristyn Howard, Daniel Howard, Melinda Yount and Jamie Howard; and great-grandchildren.