Noted humanitarian, Farrar W. Howard Sr., succumbs

Dr. Farrar W. Howard Sr., a man who often sacrificed his time and gave back to the communities of Charles City and New Kent, died Thursday morning on Sept. 1 at the age of 91.

A 1943 graduate of Highland Springs High School, Howard served as a gunner in the United States Army Air Corps during World War II. After completing his services to the country, he began his studies at the University of Richmond. In 1949 he completed his studies and earned his medical degree from the Medical College of Virginia in 1953.

In 1950, Howard married his wife, Jeannette, and the couple moved to Charles City in 1954 to raise their six children. With his practice based out of the county, Howard would serve as the doctor and primary physician to families in need in both New Kent and Charles City, covering more than an 800-square mile radius.

Howard’s generosity and dedication to the local communities probably could be described as understated. He served as a Sunday school teacher, lay preacher, deacon, and choir member at Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church and was a member of the Masonic Order and Mann Page Lodge since 1946. In his spare time, Howard spent years serving as a team physician for New Kent High School, long before the days of an athletic trainer. As part of the United States’ bicentennial celebration in 1976, Howard formed a community choir that received the honor to sing at the White House.

Many buildings and organizations that exist in Charles City and New Kent today were courtesy of foresight by Howard. In 1962, it was his initiative that helped create the Providence Forge Volunteer Rescue Squad. He was vital in the establishment of Heritage Public Library and the restoring of the historic name of George W. Watkins Elementary School. The Route 33 bridges spanning over Interstate 64 in New Kent are named after Howard and his wife.

Even in his latter years, Howard was out in the community. Whether it was tending to his award winning tree farm in Charles City or attending a Veterans’ Day service at New Kent Middle School, the humanitarian’s presence was well-received by peers and others alike.

A memorial service will take place on Sunday, Sept. 18, 3 p.m. at New Kent High School. Tributes can be made at www.vincentfh.com. You can read Howard’s complete obituary by clicking here.