Howard M. Edgar

Howard Metheny Edgar, 91, Hutchinson, KS, passed away Tuesday, November 19,2013.

Howard was born March 9, 1922 on the family farm near Sterling, KS, the son of Metheny and Isabel Dougherty Edgar. He had eight siblings: Margaret, Ralph, Donald, Jean, Alice, Alvin, and Mary; all deceased. The youngest, Carol survives. In 1922 they had no running water, electricity, or telephone. Life was hard. Ralph died in a farming accident at 19. Alvin drowned at a family picnic, only 13 years old.

Howard attended a one room country school in the early years and went into town for high school. He graduated from Sterling High School in 1939, and started Sterling College that fall. There he was nicknamed Red on account of his red hair.

In 1942 he put his classes on hold and enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps. He spent World War I1 in the South Pacific, assigned to squadron VMF(AW)114. In 1944 Howard was at Battle of Peleliu. The casualty rate there was the highest for U.S. military personnel of any battle in the Pacific War.

After the war Howard returned to Sterling and resumed his studies. It was a good thing he did. He graduated in 1948. More importantly, he met Cora Elizabeth "Betty" Kensett and fell in love. On August 27th, 1949 they were married in Parsons, KS. Betty survives.

In 1950,following training in St. Louis, Howard and Betty moved to Hutchinson, KS. Howard worked as a medical technologist for Saint Elizabeth's Hospital, Lettner, Hinshaw and Shaw Laboratory, and Hutchinson Hospital.

Howard and Betty raised four children in their home, 26 Wheatland Drive, the home they purchased in 1955. David moved to Wichita, KS, and married Janna Decker (deceased). They had four children: Jessica (married to Mark Hopkins), Justina, Jennifer, and Josh. Elizabeth Ann moved to Topeka, KS and married Bob Fincham. They had four children: Ethan, Lindsey, Elizabeth, and Jessie (deceased). Steven moved to Queens, NY, and married Marisa Gomez-Mozo. They had two boys: Ian and Dante. James moved to Manhattan, KS and married Libby Beddingfield. They have one son, Sterling.

Howard was raised in a Christian home. His was a life-long faith walk with God. He lived his Christianity in a humble way, showing his faith through his actions. He was eager to assist those in need, and always sympathetic to the struggle of others. Patient, tolerant, understanding, and accepting – that's how you'd describe Howard. He was active in The First Presbyterian Church of Hutchinson where he was an elder. His record of attendance was unsurpassed.

Howard delighted in sharing his life with family, friends, and neighbors, laughing together during the good times, giving his help when needed, and encouraging big dreams. He enjoyed woodworking (including toys) and refinishing furniture, which he frequently gave away. He was remarkably independent and ingeniously resourceful, always finding ways to fix the broken. Ever looking for an excuse to spend time out of doors, he loved fishing, gardening, grilling, and making ice cream out back.

Howard was a big supporter of Blue Dragon Basketball, of Hutchinson Community college. He often attended with sisters Jean and Alice.

His life was filled with adventures and love. He will be greatly missed.

Howard was cremated. A memorial ceremony and inurnment will take place at a later date. Penwell-Gabel Mid-Town Chapel is assisting the family.

Memorial contributions may be made either to Sterling College,125 W. Cooper, Sterling, KS 67579 or First Presbyterian Church, 201 E Sherman St, Hutchinson, KS 67501.

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