Ernest D. Howard went to be with the Lord on Dec. 7 at his home with family and friends around him. He suffered with pain for many years because of polio in his youth and dealt with cancer at the end of his life.

Ernie attended Gratton School during the early part of his education. Due to his illness, he spent seven years in the hospital where he finished his elementary schooling. He then attended Denair and Hughson high schools. He furthered his education at San Jose State receiving his B.A. and teaching credential. He taught at Osborn School for over 30 years, along with farming peaches and walnuts.

He was a family man who greatly loved his family. He leaves behind his helpmate and loving wife, Dorothy Howard; four sons and their wives, David (Marilyn) Howard of Modesto, Jonathan (Carol) Howard of Turlock, Eric (Lisa) Howard of Missouri and Nate (Drenda) Howard of Modesto; his daughter, Sallie (Bart) Wright of Denair; 16 grandchildren; and sister, Joyce (Bill) Massengale of Turlock. His daughter, Suzanne Schrader, preceded him in death.

Ernie taught his children how to work, but he was also a great fan of their activities; ball games, concerts, recitals, etc. He always said “We never let our work interfere with our play.”

He was interested in the community and served as a Gratton School board member for 12 years. His interests included fishing, playing chess, and studying God’s word. He taught Sunday school and attended Monte Vista Chapel.

Visitation will be held from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 19 at Lakewood Funeral Home (Riverside Chapel) 900 Santa Fe Ave., Hughson. Burial will be held at 10 a.m. on Monday, Dec. 20. A memorial service will be held at 11:30 a.m. at Monte Vista Chapel.

Memorial gifts may be made to the Modesto Gospel Mission, Turlock Gospel Mission or Gideon’s for Bibles.