1930
Howard
2016
Howard Wayne French
March 31, 1930 — June 24, 2016
Howard Wayne French, 86, passed away Friday, June 24, 2016 in Harlingen, Texas.
He was born March 13, 1930 in Battle Creek, Michigan to Madeline Baker French and Howard A. French.
He was preceded in death by Sally Young French, his wife of 56 years.
Wayne is survived by his daughters Patricia (Larry) Neblett and Sara (Peter) Martinez, granddaughters Jennifer (Justin) Hill, Sara Michelle (Andrew) Ludwig and Victoria (Timothy) Oberhelman, and goddaughter Jill (Curt) Poulos.
He attended Michigan State University before his service in the U.S. Army during the Korean War.
Wayne arrived in The Rio Grande Valley in 1960 to work in the citrus industry. He became manager of Brown Ranch, a citrus farm, and later manager of Lake Delta Citrus Association. In the early 1970’s he became interested in flying and received his pilot’s license. His love of flying became the family business as owner of Harlingen Aero Center in Harlingen. After retirement he briefly returned to his native state of Michigan. He spent several years enjoying hunting, fishing and driving a school bus for Forest Park School District in Crystal Falls before returning to the Harlingen area.
In addition to flying, Wayne enjoyed his time as a Colonel in the Confederate Air Force, landscaping, remodeling homes, playing golf and spending time with his family.
Private family graveside services will be held at Mont Meta Memorial Park in San Benito. The family would like to thank Victoria House for their care and kindness. In lieu of flowers the family directs donations be made to Valley Praise Church, 1927 W. Jefferson Ave., Harlingen, TX 78550 (www.valleypraise.net), or to Girl Scouts of Greater South Texas, 202 E. Madison, Harlingen, TX 78550 (www.gsgst.org).
He was born March 13, 1930 in Battle Creek, Michigan to Madeline Baker French and Howard A. French.
He was preceded in death by Sally Young French, his wife of 56 years.
Wayne is survived by his daughters Patricia (Larry) Neblett and Sara (Peter) Martinez, granddaughters Jennifer (Justin) Hill, Sara Michelle (Andrew) Ludwig and Victoria (Timothy) Oberhelman, and goddaughter Jill (Curt) Poulos.
He attended Michigan State University before his service in the U.S. Army during the Korean War.
Wayne arrived in The Rio Grande Valley in 1960 to work in the citrus industry. He became manager of Brown Ranch, a citrus farm, and later manager of Lake Delta Citrus Association. In the early 1970’s he became interested in flying and received his pilot’s license. His love of flying became the family business as owner of Harlingen Aero Center in Harlingen. After retirement he briefly returned to his native state of Michigan. He spent several years enjoying hunting, fishing and driving a school bus for Forest Park School District in Crystal Falls before returning to the Harlingen area.
In addition to flying, Wayne enjoyed his time as a Colonel in the Confederate Air Force, landscaping, remodeling homes, playing golf and spending time with his family.
Private family graveside services will be held at Mont Meta Memorial Park in San Benito. The family would like to thank Victoria House for their care and kindness. In lieu of flowers the family directs donations be made to Valley Praise Church, 1927 W. Jefferson Ave., Harlingen, TX 78550 (www.valleypraise.net), or to Girl Scouts of Greater South Texas, 202 E. Madison, Harlingen, TX 78550 (www.gsgst.org).
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