Howard Vern Holcomb

Howard Vern Holcomb, 81, formerly of Battle Creek died at Leesburg Regional Medical Center in Leesburg Florida on Monday, November 23, 2015.

Howard was born January 21, 1934 to Vern and Mignon (Brodock) Holcomb. He grew up in Battle Creek, attended school here, and then served in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War, where he received his GED. Howard was employed by the Oliver Corporation, Battle Creek Gas Company; and then as a welder and steam fitter through UA Local 335. He was employed on numerous construction projects and spent many years on the construction of Cook Nuclear Plant in Benton Harbor. He and his family resided in Stevensville, MI several years during that period. Howard was later employed as a steam fitter for the Kellogg Company for 16 years, prior to retiring in 1996.

Howard was united in marriage to the former Sally M. Stephens on December 30, 1954 in Battle Creek at Central Christian Church. Surviving are Sally, his wife of 61 years in Leesburg, FL; four children, Roana (Stuart) Schaeffer of North Wales, PA, Ronda (Fred) Wagner of Englewood, FL, Stephen (Kathy) Holcomb of Ft. Wayne, IN, Stephanie (Bradley) Gough of Wolcottville, IN, four grandchildren, Sarah (Rick) Craven of North Wales, PA, Adrianne Schaeffer of North Wales, PA,, Michael (Emily) Gough of Warsaw, IN, Kyle (Lindsay) Gough of Okemos, MI; four great-grandchildren; a sister, Betty Allen of Battle Creek and several nieces and nephews and their families. Howard was preceded in death by his parents, and two sisters, Irene Holcomb and Lethabell Hodgkinson.

Howard loved old tractors and steam engines that used belts to run pumps, grind corn, drive saw mills and power the industrial revolution. He had several steam engines and trailered them to many shows. He will be remembered as a wonderful family man, a proud veteran, and a man of true integrity.

Friends will be received by Howard's family the hour prior to the funeral service for Howard. Funeral services will be held 1:00 p.m. Monday, December 7, 2015 at Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Home & Cremation Care. Full military honors will be bestowed by Ft. Custer Honor Guard and the U.S. Navy Honor Guard at Ft. Custer National Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Salvation Army or to "One Simple Wish" for foster children. Personal messages for the family may be placed here at www.farleyestesdowdle.com.