Memorial Service: Monday, August 13, 2007 at 11:00 a.m. at Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home in Miles City
Howard James Cummings, age 60, passed away at his home in Glendale, Arizona, August 3, 2007.
Howard was born, September 14, 1946 to Donald and Frances Cummings in Miles City, Montana. He graduated from Custer County High School, Miles City, MT, in 1964, where he was active in football, wrestling and track. In 1965 he enlisted in the Navy, and was assigned as a mechanist mate on the destroyer escort D.E. Bronstein, later being transferred to the U.S.S. Bradley. He served two tours in Vietnam before being discharged in 1969. After his discharge, he worked as a truck driver in the Phoenix area before returning to Miles City. Upon his return to Miles City, Howard became a Group Life Counselor at Pine Hills School, and enrolled at Miles Community College, graduating in 1972. He returned to Arizona in 1973 and started working for the Arizona State Department of Corrections. In 1978 he was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis, and in spite of being in a wheelchair, he was able to continue working at his job until 1993.
Howard married Dorothy Nan Phillips Arnold, February 27, 1982 and became the father to three lovely daughters. He was always so proud of his family. A bright spot in his life was the arrival of his five grandchildren.
Howard attended Apollo Baptist Church in Glendale, Arizona and had a close relationship with his Lord and Savior. In spite of being confined to a wheelchair, he always had a cheerful attitude and with the support of his loving wife, Dorothy, was able to remain at home. He was always a generous and kind person. He inspired many with his ability to smile through the many challenges thrown his way. In 2006, he was diagnosed with cancer. Although he fought this illness with the same ferocity he always did, his weakened body could no longer go on and he succumbed to his illness.
He is survived by his wife Dorothy of Glendale, Arizona; three daughters: Wendy (Kevin) Severance of Peoria, AZ; Andrea (Phil) Kahrl of Everett, WA; and Jill (Dominic) Arnold-Gallegos of Phoenix, AZ; five grandchildren, Rory, Tara, Felix, Milo, and Isobel, all who will miss him greatly; his mother, Frances Coombe Cummings Grasky of Miles City, MT; his sister, Connie (Gary) Stewart of Las Alamitos, CA; two step brothers: Leo (Terry) Grasky of Sheridan, WY and Jim (Mary) Grasky of Choteau, MT; his nephew Justin (Jenny) Stewart of Anaheim Hills, CA and niece Shannon Stewart of Chicago.
He was preceded in death by his dad, Don Cummings and his sister, Fronda Cummings.
A Memorial service will be held on Monday, August 13, 2007 at 11:00 a.m. at Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home in Miles City. Interment will be August 17th, 1:00 pm at the National Veteran Memorial Cemetery located at 23029 N. Cave Creek Rd, Phoenix, AZ. A Memorial Service will be held at Apollo Baptist Church, 11611 N. 51st Ave., Glendale, AZ on August 18th at 11:00 am. Condolences may be made to the family by visiting www.stevensonandsons.com.Should friends desire, memorials may be made to Apollo Baptist Church, the National Multiple Sclerosis Society or the National Cancer Society.
Service Schedule
Service Schedule
Share
Dorothy says
The love of my life.