Dr. Rory J. Howard

Dr. Rory J. Howard, 56, died March 21, 2016 at Southwest Medical Center in Liberal, KS. 

Rory James Howard was born April 22, 1959 at Buffalo, NY, the son of Willie James and Bernice (Smith) Howard.

In 1984, he graduated from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, NY. Following graduation, he joined the U.S. Army and served until 1992. He received his Medical Degree from the University of Kansas in 1997. In 2006, he rejoined the Army and served as a Physician and General Surgeon at the Bassett Army Hospital in Fairbanks, Alaska until retirement from active duty in 2012. Dr. Howard then moved to Liberal, KS, where he was currently working with Southwest Medical Center as a Physician and General Surgeon.

He was a member of All Nations Church in Liberal. Other memberships include the American Medical Association, Association for the Advancement of Wound Care, National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, Alaska Trappers Association, Liberal Elks Lodge #1947, Safari Club International, Safari Club – Dallas and National Brotherhood of Hunters. He was a lifetime member of the American Legion, VFW and National Rifle Association.

On August 7, 1992, he married Rhonda VanHoose in Denmark. She survives.

Other survivors include
2 Sons – Stephen Howard of Buffalo, NY and Rory Howard, II of Liberal, KS.
2 Daughters – Lauren Howard of Buffalo, NY and Deanna Howard of Liberal, KS.
His Mother – Bernice Howard of Buffalo, NY
6 Brothers – Alvin Haynie of Buffalo, NY; Ronnie Travis of Columbia, SC; Willie Howard; Brandon Howard; Tim Williams and Jerome January all of Toledo, OH. 2 Sisters – Vivian Duplantis of Buffalo, NY and Diane January of Toledo, OH.
1 Grandchild – Keyonnah Howard.
Mother-in law – Hattie VanHoose of Pine Bluff AR
Brother-in- Law- Kipchoge VanHoose of Conway, AR
He was preceded in death by his Father, Willie James Howard.

Memorial Service will be 2:00 p.m. Monday, March 28th at All Nations Church, 604 E 15th Street, with Pastor Jimmy Holman presiding. Additional services will take place in Buffalo, NY with burial at Forest Lawn Cemetery.
Viewing of the body will take place only on Monday from 9 – 11:00 a.m. at Brenneman Funeral Home.
Memorial Contributions may be given to the Seward County Community College Foundation for Surgical Technology Scholarships or to All Nations Church in care of Brennemnan Funeral Home, 1212 W. 2nd St. Liberal, KS 67901.