Howard Owen Williford

A welder of pipes, with hands strong and true,

In ‘37’s winter, his life’s debut.

His laughter, a beacon, through decades did ring,

A life full of joy, where love took wing.

In youth, he sought permission to unite,

With his high school love, his heart’s pure delight.

A cheerleader’s charm, her spirit so bright,

Together they danced, from morning to night.

He roasted whole hogs, a community’s heart,

His culinary skill, indeed an art.

His hobby, food, a mission grand,

He fed the souls across the land.

When EMTs arrived to aid his plight,

He argued with a will, with all his might.

“A hospital in Sydney,” he did jest,

But Hutchinson, they said, would be the best.

His spirit strong, his humor never waned,

Even when his health was clearly strained.

In every challenge, his wit would shine,

A trait so dear, forever to define.

In May of ’24, at eighty-seven,

He found his rest, his spirit soared to heaven.

His legacy, a path of kindness sown,

In every heart, his gentle touch is known.

So let us remember, with love and with light,

A man of great warmth, who made the world bright.

His story we cherish, in each line we weave,

A father, a friend, a husband, in whom we believe.

In lieu of flowers,

Memorials may be given to

Table Rock Mission, Alden, Kansas

In care of Birzer Funeral Home, Sterling.

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.