Thomas Edward Howard

Thomas (Tom) Edward Howard, a generous, caring Christian man passed away on July 5, 2023 at the age of 86.  He was born on October 26, 1936 in Worland, Wyoming.  He was preceded in death by his loving and lovely wife Charlotte Howard; parents, Leonard and Erma Howard; brothers Richard and William Howard; daughter, Kara Howard; Son, Darren Howard.  Tom graduated from Washakie County High School in 1955 and the University of Wyoming in 1959 with a degree in Civil Engineering.  He then moved to Southern California with his first wife Anita Howard (Maurer).  He worked as a Civil Engineer for Los Angeles County for 20 years, and later as a consulting City Engineer for several municipalities in the Los Angeles area.  Additionally, he served in the California Army National Guard for 24 years, reaching the rank of Colonel.  He married the love of his life, Charlotte Rowland (Shields), a native of Blount County, in 1974. The Smoky Mountains called her back in 1989, and he gladly followed her there.  After moving to Blount County, Tom worked for a short time building homes but eventually focused on providing Professional Civil Engineering services through his company, Howard Engineering. He worked in that capacity until his death. Tom soon became a Tennessee Volunteer fan, but his greatest sports allegiance was with his alma mater. Tom and Charlotte enjoyed going on cruises and making many trips to California and Minnesota to visit children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.  Tom was also a talented and self-taught wood worker.   Tom and Charlotte became members of the Fairview United Methodist Church in 2005.  He served as president of the Sparkplug Sunday school class for several years and enjoyed attending a weekly men’s Bible study where his relationship with God grew and matured. He was baptized in 2010.  He is survived by daughters, Pam (Dan) Stijovich and Linda (Shawn) McKean; sons, Thomas (Cheri) Howard II, Eddie (Francis) Rowland and David Howard; 14 grandchildren and 19 great grandchildren.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: Fairview Church Sparkplug Class Scholarship Fund, 2508 Old Niles Ferry Road, Maryville, TN 37802. The funeral service will take place at Fairview Church on Saturday, July 15, 2023 at 10:30 AM with Rev. Jerry Russell officiating.  The family will be available to receive friends following the funeral service. Smith Funeral & Cremation Service, Maryville, 865-983-1000, www.SmithFuneralandCremation.com