William Franklin Howard, Sr.

William Franklin Howard, Sr. passed away peacefully on July 4th, 2024, in Mechanicsville, Virginia. He was 87 years old.  Frank was born at the family home in Leesburg on July 30, 1936, to Dr. Herbert and Lillian Howard. He grew up in Leesburg and was in the last graduating class of Leesburg High School. Despite being 5’5” tall and 140 lbs., he was a starting guard on the school’s football team.  In 1957, Frank married his high school sweetheart, Catherine “Kitty” Kidwell and together they had three sons. Frank worked in the medical department at the Central Intelligence Agency for more than 35 years.  In addition, he was a volunteer fireman for the Leesburg Volunteer Fire Company. He and Kitty were married for over 64 years. Upon his retirement, the couple moved to Tampa FL, Durham, NC, and finally Mechanicsville, VA.  Frank spent his last few days with his family and passed away in his sleep after having his favorite treat, a chocolate shake.  Frank was preceded in death by his parents, Herbert and Lillian Howard, his wife Kitty, three brothers, Jack, Tommy, and Freddy, two sisters, Margaret and Mary. He is survived by his three sons, William Franklin Howard, Jr. (Karen) of Chantilly, Va., Shannon Howard (Michele) of Mechanicsville, Va., and Tracy Howard (Kim) of Mechanicsville, Va.  His brother, David Howard (Genieve) of Germantown, Md.; sister-in-law, Page Kidwell of Glen Allen, Va.; nephew, Jason Absher of Miami, Fl. He also leaves behind 13 grandchildren, 6 great-grandchildren, and his furry companion, Molly. A celebration of life will be held at Leesburg Community Church, Leesburg, Va. on August 3rd from 11 am to 1 pm.  In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be made in honor of Frank to the American Heart Association.

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