| It is with great sorrow that we must announce the passing of former Fire Chief Howard Killian. Howard, better known around the fire house as "Snake", served the St. Stephens community for 35 years (1962-1997) and four of those years he led the department as the Fire Chief (1986-1990). During the mid 1960's Howard served a dual role choosing to serve the St. Stephens and Oxford communities. Oxford residents wanted better fire protection and in 1967 the Oxford Fire Department was chartered and needed firefighters so Howard joined and became a charter member.
Howard was an asset to the St. Stephens Fire Department and lived a stones throw from the station. Everyone knew when the whistle blew you better be looking out for ole Snake because he always made one big loop coming out of his neighborhood and into the fire house parking lot. If you were a younger member hanging around the station you always had the truck cranked and ready to go because you knew Snake was coming. Howard always had a story to tell and most of the time it would lead to golf because, well, Howard loved to play golf! There is no job in a fire department more demanding and unapreciated than being the Chief, but we must remember the sacrafice of his family. When you are the Chief, you not only have one family, but two. A price cannot be put on the countless hours he dedicated to the department and community. We are all better people for being allowed to serve with such a fine man. We must now thank Howard's family for the time spent away to make our organization what it is today. Our condolences go out to Annie and the rest of the family and we will continue to keep you in our thoughts and prayers.
Arrangements for Howard can be found below.
Name:
Howard Joe "Snake" Killian
Date:
February 1st, 1937 - February 9th, 2011
Obituary:
Howard Joe "Snake" Killian, 74, of Hickory, passed away unexpectedly on February 9, 2011 at Catawba Valley Medical Center in Hickory. Born February 1, 1937 in Catawba County, he was the son of the late Joe Carson Killian and Byrlea Bumgarner Killian. Howard was an active member of Bethel Lutheran Church in Claremont where he served on the church council. He served as a volunteer fireman for 35 years with the St. Stephens Fire Department and served as Fire Chief from 1986 to1990. He was a charter member of the Oxford Fire Department and was a member of the Hickory Moose Lodge. Howard was a plasterer by trade and retired from NorthWest Drywall.
Howard was a beloved husband, father and grandfather. He enjoyed playing golf and helping others. Howard never met a stranger and he always knew how to bring a smile to your face. His beloved comical character and joyful personality will truly be missed.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Kenneth Samuel Killian.
He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Annie Abernathy Killian; daughter Jo Ann Killian Eckard and husband Ernest (Ernie) Franklin Eckard of Hildebran; granddaughter, Monica Ann Eckard of Hildebran, and grandson, Neil Franklin Eckard of Hildebran; brothers, Bob Killian and wife Nancy of Hickory, Steven Killian and wife Phyllis of Hickory, Dwight Killian and wife Betty of Conover, and Jerry Killian of Conover; sister, Judy Killian Wilson and husband Bill of Conover; aunts, Wilma Beal and husband Earl of Hickory, Christine Killian of Hickory and Grace Killian of Conover; and a number of nieces and nephews.
A Celebration of Life will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, February 13, 2011 at Bethel Lutheran Church in Claremont with Rev. Craig Schultz and Rev. Eric Hollar officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.
The family will receive friends Saturday, February 12, 2011 from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at Drum Funeral Home in Hickory.
Memorials may be given to Bethel Lutheran Church, 5759 Bolick Road, Claremont, NC 28610.
Pallbearers will be Charlie Killian, Kenny Killian, David Killian, Mark Killian, Brent Godfrey and Eric Wilson.
Memorials:
Bethel Lutheran Church, 5759 Bolick Road, Claremont, NC 28610
Visitations:
2:00PM to 5:00PM on Saturday, February 12th, 2011
Services:
2:00PM at Bethel Lutheran Church on Sunday, February 13th, 2011
Cemetery:
Bethel Lutheran Church Cemetery
5759 Bolick Road
Claremont, NC 28610 |
