RUMFORD — Earl K. Howard, 68, a resident of Rumford, formerly of Livermore Falls, passed away peacefully, Monday, Dec. 17, at his home surrounded by his family.

He was born Feb. 8, 1944, in Worcester, Mass., the oldest of 12 children born to Lorraine Bishop and Kenneth Howard. He was a graduate of Shrewsbury High School. He served in the U.S. Army from 1962 to 1968 and was stationed at Fort Dix, N.J.

He worked for several businesses throughout his life, Coca Cola in Worcester, I.T.O.A. Cab Co. and he owned and operated a furniture store for several years until he was shot during a robbery. Due to the shooting, he became disabled in 1970.

Earl always enjoyed spending time fishing and hunting in his younger years. Earl and his family used to vacation every year in Maine until 1981 when they became permanent residents of Dryden. After moving to Maine, Earl was a groundskeeper at the local cemeteries and the park in Livermore Falls.

He loved helping his community and was a chairman for several years on the parade committee for Jay and Livermore Falls. He was a life member of Frank L. Mitchell VFW Post 3335 in Jay and also the Robert Shand VFW Post 1641 in Rumford. He was always very active in the VFW and enjoyed helping his veteran friends, he also served as a former Judge Advocate from 2003 to 2004.

He always enjoyed spending time with friends for coffee, cards and laughter. He was a huge fan of old cowboy and western movies as well as a NASCAR racing fan. He will be missed, but not forgotten.

He is survived by his fiancée, Kathy Dumond of Rumford; son, Stephen Bruce of Newnan, Ga.; daughters, Yvonne Hebert and husband, Michael, of Jay, Tina Weaver and husband, Steve, of Fayette, Michelle Crosby and husband, Mike, of Livermore Falls and Bambie Elliott and husband, Norris, of Vienna; 11 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; nine siblings; also Kathy’s children, Shaun Astbury and Amy Greenlaw, both of Augusta.

He was predeceased by his parents; a daughter, Brenda Lee Howard; grandson, Johnathan Todd Ladd; a brother, and a sister.

The family would like to give special thanks to Rumford Hospital and Androscoggin Home Care for all of their staff who assisted the family and for their loving care. Also thanks to Finley Funeral Home for assisting with the arrangements.

Messages of condolence may be sent to: www.finleyfuneralhome.com.