I received the sad news yesterday that another VP-4 Vet has passed away.
Howard J. Krogh died at St. David’s South Austin Medical Center on
August 20, 2014, after a brief illness. He was born to Howard P. and Hazel J. Krogh in Kennewick, Washington, on June 19, 1923. After his parents divorced when he was 4, Howard and his sister were raised by their father in Omak, Washington, and his two brothers went to live with their mother.
Howard worked as a dairy hand in Omak before joining the US Navy in February 1941. He served his country during World War II and the Korean War and was awarded several good conduct medals. It was in the navy that he learned to identify any ocean based on its color and chop, a skill he was quick to remind folks of.
Although described by his commanding officer in 1959 as “an excellent leader, firm in decision, and yet considerate and understanding,” Howard was perhaps best known for his sense of humor. He was a witty joker who sent original, and sometimes ribald, poetry to his appreciative siblings and friends.
Howard retired from active duty in 1960 as an Aviation Ordnanceman First Class. He spent the next 27 years employed by Lockheed Missiles and Space Company, Inc., first in Sunnyvale, California, and later in Austin, Texas. Howard was a skilled bowler, carpenter, and fisherman. During his California days, he enjoyed time spent with good friends at Lake McClure, especially when it involved his beloved Boston Whaler.
Howard and the love of his life, Julia Bell, married in Las Vegas, Nevada, in 1949. They spent the next 65 years together, mainly residing in Austin, Texas.
Howard was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Roy Krogh and Glen Krogh, sister Blanche (Krogh) Hastings, and nephew Steve Krogh. He is survived by his wife Julia Krogh, daughter Holly Krogh and her husband Ross Whitwam, grandkids Lucy Whitwam and Henrietta Krogh, as well as several nieces and a nephew. His family feels fortunate that before his death Howard had the opportunity to reconnect with his nieces Sharon (Krogh) Pearson and Judie (Hastings) Doonan. The family also appreciates the care provided by the wonderful staff at Querencia Barton Creek during his short residency there.
A Memorial Service will be held in the Chapel at Querencia Barton Creek on Saturday, October 11, 2014, at 2:00 P.M.
—
Larry Hames
VP-4 1975 – 1978
VP-4 Veterans Assn Database Manager
You must be logged in to post a comment.