Howard P. Mack

Grand Island resident, Howard P. Mack, 89, passed away Thursday, February 9, 2012 at the Grand Island Veterans Home, Grand Island, NE. Services will be Monday, February 13, 2012 at 11 AM at the First United Methodist Church, Hastings, NE with Rev. Tony Dawson officiating. Burial will be in Parkview Cemetery with military rites. Visitation will be Sunday, February 12, 2012 from 12 noon to 4 pm with the family present from 2 pm to 4 pm at the Brand-Wilson Funeral Home, Hastings, NE and one hour prior to service time at the church. Condolences may be sent to the family from www.brandwilson.com. Howard was born May 21, 1922 to Ray and Esta (Preston) Mack in Kenesaw, NE. He graduated from the Kenesaw High School, Kenesaw, NE in 1942. He served in the United States Navy as a cook and baker from September 24, 1942 to October 28, 1945 during WWII in the Pacific Islands aboard the USS Biloxi his ship was used to transfer American and allied prisoners of war from Japan. He married Phyllis A. Mann on August 1, 1942 in Minden, NE. He worked as a switchman and brakeman for the Union Pacific and Burlington Northern Rialroad of 32 years. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church, a lifetime member of the American Legion, the VFW and the Burger King Coffee Club all in Hastings, NE. He enjoyed wood working, including trains, shelfs and quilts racks, and he collected antique clocks. He is survived by 2 daughters, Marcia Shane and husband Tom of Hastings, NE, and Peggy Helms and husband John E. of Grand Island, NE, 5 grandchildren, Lisa Mertens and husband Bob, Laurie Murphy and husband Paul, Daniel Shane and wife Gloria, Christopher Helms and wife Shennon and Jennifer Bradley and husband Max, and 13 great grandchildren and one brother Robert Mack of Kenesaw, NE. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Phyllis on March 23, 2010, and a great grandson. Memorials may be given to First United Methodist Church, Hastings, NE.