Howard R. DeArmond, age 88, entered into rest on August 26, 2014, in Stockton. He was born on September 16, 1925, in Drakesboro, Kentucky. He is preceded in death by his beloved wife of 67 years, Clara Louise DeArmond.
   Howard was a resident of Manteca for 58 years.
   Howard leaves behind his two children, Harold R. DeArmond (Jan) of Modesto and Sterling “Lynn” DeArmond of Chico. He was also blessed with one grandchild, Thomas Ray DeArmond.
   Howard was part of what has been called the greatest generation.  He is one of that great generation who built this country through their hard work and sacrifice.  He grew up and weathered the great depression in Oklahoma, finally moving to California at age 17.  He served in the United States Army during WWII.  He participated in the battle to secure the island of Okinawa at age 19, and was part of the force which occupied the mainland of Japan after their surrender.  He served his country as he did everything in his life with honor, courage and perseverance.
   When he returned from the war he went to work for Pacific Gas and Electric Company in Richmond, CA and worked for the company for the next 38 years.  After moving to Manteca in 1955, with the love of his life, Clara and their two sons, he became a Troubleman still with Pacific Gas and Electric until his retirement in 1981.  He may have been the person who turned your lights back on some dark rainy night.
   Howard was a great advocate of education and talked to his sons throughout their early lives about the importance of getting an education.  He and Clara were both gratified to see both of their sons graduate from college and earn advanced degrees as a result of their guidance and support.
   During his final illness he displayed the same qualities of honor, courage and perseverance which had helped him to be successful in life.  In his final hours he was still fighting the good fight never willing to quit.  We will think of him often and miss him terribly.  We are proud to have been a part of his life.
   PL Fry & Son Funeral Home is honored to be serving the DeArmond family.  A visitation will be held on Thursday, September 4, 2014, from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m., at PL Fry & Son Funeral Home, 290 N. Union Road, Manteca.  A Grave side service is scheduled for Friday, September 5, 2014, at 1 p.m., at Park View Cemetery, 3661 E. French Camp Road, Manteca.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Veterans of Foreign Wars or The American Legion.  An online guest book is available at www.plfryandson.com.

Manteca ( Calif.) Bulletin
Tuesday, September 2, 2014