Raymond S. Howard, 84

Raymond S. Howard, age 84, of Woodstock, passed away peacefully Feb. 9, 2022, at Hospice in Barrington with his loving family at his side.

He was born Sept. 24, 1937 in Chicago, the only child of Raymond B. and Theresa (Frey) Howard. He married Julie A. Gullett in Barrington, Ill., on April 15, 1967.

He went to Leo Catholic High School in Chicago, and after graduating, studied geology at the University of Illinois at Chicago. However, aviation was his true passion, which brought him a career as a flight dispatcher for United Airlines in 1959. He also received his private pilot’s license and bought and flew his own airplane, a Piper J-3 “Cub.” Unfortunately, that airplane was severely damaged in a tornado at Palwaukee Airport in 1967, forcing him to sell it.

He was a veteran of the U.S. Army, stationed in Germany and serving during the Cold War. After the Army, he returned to United Airlines and continued his career with a total of 42 years. He retired shortly after the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks.

Raymond had an incredible amount of interests and knowledge on many subjects. He was a master storyteller, with an incredible memory. He had an infectious sense of humor and laugh, which would cause everyone he met to walk away with a little more joy in their life from knowing him. He was a voracious reader of books and magazines. He loved going to airshows, however, the largest airshow in the world, EAA AirVenture in Oshkosh, Wis., was his favorite. He would go every year with family and friends until it became more difficult physically for him. He enjoyed dinners out with family and friends, and will be greatly missed.

He is survived by his wife, Julie; son, Raymond Jr. (Steve); daughter-in-law, Kelly; two nieces; and many good friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

A celebration of life will be held in summer, with details to follow.

For information, contact the Schneider, Leucht, Merwin & Cooney Funeral Home at 815-338-1710 or visit slmcfh.com.