Obituary of Leon W. Howard Jr.

Leon Walter Howard Jr. passed away suddenly on March 25, 2024.

He was born on September 1, 1944, to Leon Howard Sr. and Elizabeth (Seekins) Howard

in Belfast, Maine. He later had a little sister Vanessa Howard that he loved and treasured his whole life. He attended school in Swanville and graduated from Crosby High School as he helped work the family farm in Swanville. He joined the U.S. Navy out of school and served on the U.S.S. Enterprise and was a Veteran of the Vietnam War. He was a true American and so proud of his country.

He was quite an entrepreneur. He owned and ran many businesses including his lifelong mobile home park, Howards Trailer Park in Swanville. He owned Howards Shell in Belfast, Howards Landscaping, Cam Coal, Howards Auto Sales, Riverside Auto Salvage Yard and Towing. He was so proud of his fleet of wreckers. All in Swanville. He also owned Howards Market in Orland and Seabreeze Restaurant on Verona Island.

He was also employed in many jobs. He worked for Old Ken Flagg, Merrill Transport, Mack Point Docks, Wardwell Construction, Bucksport Bowling Alley, Searsport Police Department, Sawyer Environmental, Opened and ran RST in Searsport for the Irving Family, School Bus Driver for Luce Transportation, Searsport School District and Belfast School District and drove a van for Waldo County Action Partners. He was also a member of the Searsport Fire and Ambulance Service, North Searsport and Orland Fire Departments. He was a member of Mainly Street Rods, Searsport Lions Club and the American Legion. He also raced stockcar at Speedway 95 and Unity Raceway. He was also a caretaker for the Smart Church in Belfast.

He is predeceased by both of his parents Leon Howard Sr. and Elizabeth (Seekins) Howard, his brother-in-law Richard Miner and his nephew Jason Howard who he lost way too early.

He is survived by his immediate family. Widow Laurie (Varner) Howard, First Wife Emma (Conrady) Howard, His Children:  Renee Howard and James Ashey, Janica (Howard) Danforth and David Smith, Daniel Danforth III, Samantha Ames, Linda Ames, Heather Ames, Tim Hanscom and Adam Baird. His Grand Children:  Daylon Danforth and Kelsey Danforth, Devon Danforth and Kiera (McGowan) Danforth, Damon Danforth, Kelsea McGowan, Elizabeth Baird, Joshua Ames, Timothy Hanscom, Michael Hanscom, Ezekiel Truong and Paislee Beaulieu. His Great Grand Children:  Isabella, Lucas, Aubriel, Kailyn, Shane, Ryker, Ameliah, Everleigh and Paisley. His Precious Fur Babies that he loved so much Sassy and Toby. He also has so many more family members, too many to list. Some that are still here and some that are gone. He loved and cherished his family.

He loved his Nascar Races, Ricky Craven and Dale Jr. He loved any old cars, street rods, big trucks, heavy equipment, his John Deere tractors and Trump.

He loved people and loved to talk. We used to tease him that he was born with a phone coming out of his ear. He knew everyone and he considered everyone his friend. He had too many friends to list so we won’t but do know he treasured every friendship that he had. He will forever leave a hole in many hearts. Rest In Peace and Thank You For Your Service.   Until We Meet Again.

There will be a gathering to Celebrate Leons Life on Saturday April 6^th. Starting at 11:00. At the North Searsport Christian Center, 83 North Loop Road, North Searsport, Maine 04974. This will be a very casual gathering with snacks and drinks. Anyone is more than welcome to bring a dish if you would like. All Are Welcome. If you would like to send a card to Laurie, her address is. Laurie Howard, 11 Janica Way, Swanville, Maine 04915.  Memories and condolences may be shared on his tribute wall.