Earl Edward Howard

Earl Edward Howard, 77, of Fayetteville, passed away Thursday, Aug. 13, 2015 in Fayetteville. He was owner and operator of Trade Winds Motel & Restaurant in Fort Smith for several years and also owner of several local dry cleaners. He was a former resident of Van Buren. He was preceded in death by his parents, several brothers, sisters and a son, Bert. He is survived by his wife, Ruby Howard of the home; one daughter, Gail Garner of Fayetteville; one sister, Iva Mitchell of Tulsa; five granddaughters; three grandsons; 11 great-grandchildren. Funeral services will be 10 a.m., Tuesday, Aug. 18, 2015 at Ocker Memorial Chapel in Van Buren with burial at Gill Cemetery in Van Buren under the direction of Ocker Funeral Home in Van Buren. Family will visit with friends, Sunday, Aug. 16, 2015 from 3-4:30 at Ocker Funeral Home, 700 Jefferson Street, Van Buren. Pallbearers will be Isaiah Hookfin, John Valencia, Jeff Eason, Chris Masner, Keith Estabrooks, Jimi Estabrooks. Online tributes: www.ockerfuneralhome.com.