Arthur Howard

PORT CHARLOTTE, FLA. — Arthur Lincoln Howard, 94, of Port Charlotte, Fla., passed away early Friday morning, March 13, 2015.

He was born on August 11, 1920, in Bridgton, one of five children to Lawrence and Ruth (Lewis) Howard.

Arthur was predeceased by a brother, Lewis Howard; and a sister, Mary Martikainen.

He is survived by his twin brother, Rev. Robert Howard of Colorado Springs, Colo.; and his sister, Rachel Bacon of Naples; a son, Glenn Howard of Ojochal, Costa Rica; a son, Charles Varklet of Englewood, Fla.; a daughter, LeeAnn Muster of Port Charlotte, Fla.; and two grandchildren. His wife of 35 years, Mary Howard, was by his side when he passed away. His wife, Dorothy Howard, passed away in 1978.

Education and social causes were always a priority for Arthur. He completed high school at Bridgton High School, college at Monmouth University and at New York University. His additional areas of study were in economics and development, completing studies at Yale University as well as at John Hopkins University. Throughout his life he continued to participate in activities that would provide him with learning opportunities in a number of areas.

He served in the United States Navy during World War II. He was assigned to a supply ship and sailed in the Pacific Theatre of Operations. After his Honorable Discharge from the Navy in 1946, he went to work for the Department of Labor, where he worked as a liaison between the department and the unions. He served two tours in Indonesia as an International Training Officer for the Department of Labor. After returning to Washington, D.C., he transferred to the State Department, where he served for 20 years as a Foreign Service Officer for AID. During that time he lived in Zambia, where he served as a mission director. He was also active in social organizations such as the Rotary and the Kiwanis. He was an active member of a number of administrative boards such as the Weatherly School Board and the Health Systems Council.

Arthur always loved to travel. He visited six of the seven continents. He would drive his Airstream trailer almost anywhere. When traveling, he liked to find culturally important places, and enjoyed the art, food and music of those places. He was a flexible traveler and was usually prepared for most adventures.

After moving to Port Charlotte, Fla., in 1989, he took advantage of the numerous and varied activities available. Square and round dancing, numerous classes, and lectures at the Cultural Center, community and neighborhood events were all things in which he found an interest. The Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Port Charlotte became a central part of his life. He was an active member and served in many leadership roles.

A Memorial Service was held at the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Port Charlotte, Fla., at 11 a.m., on Saturday, April 11, 2015.