05/06/2002
Funeral services for Howard Lester Kading, 93, of Knoxville, who died Monday, May 6, 2002 at Knoxville Area Community Hospital, were held Saturday, May 11, at First
United Methodist Church in Knoxville. Rev. Peter J. Peterson officiated at the services. Jim Kidder was the organist.
Masonic services were provided by Oriental Lodge No. 61
A.F. & A.M. on Friday, May 10, at Bybee & Davis Funeral Home. Interment was at Graceland
Cemetery in Knoxville. Military honors were provided by the U.S. Navy, V.F.W. John
Myers Post #3519 and American Legion Baty-Tucker Post #168. Casketbearers were Mike
Cunningham, Gregg Godfrey, Gary Hollingshead, Jerry Martinache, Mike Ridnouer and
Jim Young.
Howard was born on September 29, 1908, in Knoxville, the son of Harmon
L. Kading and Blanche (Heavner) Kading. He was raised in Knoxville and attended
school there. He was active in athletics and was the captain of the football team
before graduating with the class of 1926.
Following high school, Howard attended the University of Iowa where he graduated in 1930, having earned a degree in Accounting.
He returned to Knoxville and first worked as a deputy sheriff for a few years. Howard also worked at the Producers Coal Mine and the Beard Coal Mine as a bookkeeper.
He married Geraldine Summy on August 6, 1938, in Indianola. The couple always made their home in Knoxville. In April of 1944, Howard was inducted into the U.S. Navy.
He served in the Pacific during World War II and was honorably discharged in December of 1945.
After he returned home, he worked for the mines as a bookkeeper before going to work at Iowa State Savings Bank. He worked at the bank for 25 years, and during part of that time, he also served as the treasurer for the City of Knoxville. He retired in 1973.
Howard and Geraldine enjoyed traveling, especially to Howard’s annual Navy reunion. However, they cherished their family and enjoyed spending time
with their children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren more than anything.
He was a member of the First United Methodist Church, the V.F.W., and was a 50-year member of the Masonic Lodge, the Odd Fellows, and the American Legion.
He was preceded
in death by his parents; his wife of 60 years, Geraldine in 1999; his brother, Reese; and two sisters, Vera Kading and Grace Dixon.
He is survived by three sons and daughters-in-law, Howard Larry and Carol of Portland, Ore., Thomas Wayne and Pat of Knoxville, and
Richard Reese and Cynthia Geyer of Coralville; five grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and many other family members and friends.
Memorials may be made to the Knoxville Recreation Center Swimming Pool Complex. Arrangements were made by Bybee & Davis Funeral Home.
Knoxville Journal Express, May 31, 2002