Francis D. Howard

Francis D. Howard, lifelong Easton resident and businessman, died October 15, 2007 peacefully at home surrounded by his family. Born November 14, 1938 to the late Vernon F. and Cecilia Vickers Howard. He was also predeceased by his beloved sister, Mettie Marie Hill and daughter, Kathy C. Howard. He is survived by his daughter and son-in-law, Julie H. and Matthew R. McKelvy of Trappe, and his son, Steven F. Howard and grandchildren, Dustin V. and Hannah S. Howard of Grapevine, Texas. He is also survived by his brothers Joseph T. and Mary Howard of Silver Spring, and Luke V. Howard, Sr. and Ann H. Howard of Royal Oak, and many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews, great-grand nieces and nephew and a very special and devoted niece and godchild, Annette Mitchell of Cambridge, MD. His greatest pleasure was duck, goose and dove hunting. He also loved crabbing, fishing, trapping, swimming and water skiing. He was an avid gardener and bird watcher. In 1986 he built an impressive backyard pond and waterfall. At the age of 8, he began mowing lawns for his neighbors. At 16, he began working for the A&P store in Easton and then in 1960 took a position as a city mail carrier for the US Postal Service. In his spare time, he started Tideland Decoys manufacturing silhouette and floating decoys. He left the USPS to follow his dream and with his former wife, Lois S. Howard, he opened Tideland Sporting Goods on August 1, 1970. It was the first store to be open on Sundays in Talbot County other than pharmacies. He believed in the “old fashioned” business ideals – service first, the customer is always right. His greatest joy in owning and operating Tideland Sporting Goods was his love of his customers, and his loyal employees who helped make the business a success. He closed Tideland Sporting Goods April 30, 1989, but continued to own and operate Tideland Duck Stamp Prints until his death.He returned to the U.S. Postal Service as a rural mail carrier from 1990 until his retirement in 2005. He was a life member of the Elks, Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church, a long term member and supporter of Ducks Unlimited, member of NRA, past member of Easton Rotary, and Talbot County Chamber of Commerce. A Memorial Mass will be celebrated on Thursday, October 18, 2007 at 11:00 AM at Sts Peter and Paul Catholic Church, Easton, Maryland. In lieu of flowers, Mr. Howard requested that donations be made to Talbot Hospice Foundation, 586 Cynwood Drive, Easton, MD 21601, or Sts Peter and Paul Catholic School, 900 High Street, Easton, MD 21601. Arrangements are by Fellows, Helfenbein and Newnam Funeral Home, P.A., Easton, MD.