Howard Allen Harris, 98, of Pasco, passed away December 7th, eighty-two years to the day after the attack on Pearl Harbor. He was born on January 12, 1925, in the small town of Ericson Nebraska to Jack and Nellie Harris. Howard enjoyed playing with his older brother and younger sister. Growing up, one of their favorite pastimes was swimming with friends in a nearby body of water.

After completing high school, Howard joined the US Navy in May of 1944 and served during World War Two as a machinist mate third class onboard the USS Stanly, a naval destroyer. Live footage of this ship was later shown in John Wayne's film "Sands of Iwo Jima" (83 minutes in). Howard was actually on board when this footage was being filmed. In addition, he was off the coast of Iwo Jima during the raising of the American flag. This is the iconic photograph of six US Marines raising the US flag that is still famous today. For his service, he received the Victory medal and three campaign medals. American area, Philippine liberation (two tours) and Asiatic Pacific (four tours).

After his military service, Howard married his wife Mary and had their son Dennis. He owned and operated his own contracting business for many years, building numerous houses in the Tri-City area. After retiring from his contracting business, he joined his wife Mary and son Dennis driving in their family pilot car business. Howard became a widower in 1996 when his wife Mary passed away. He was an amazing caregiver to her in the year that she was sick before her passing.

Howard's hobbies included working on cars and clocks; he could fix just about anything. He enjoyed picking up secondhand items to bring back to life. He would spend hours making things work like new again.

Howard was proceeded in death by his parents Jack and Nellie Harris, his siblings, Leo, Helena and Donald, his wife Mary, and their infant son David.

Howard is survived by his son Dennis Harris, granddaughter, Trisha Green, grandson-in-law Rob Green, and great-grandchildren, Robert Green, Katelynn Green, and Georgia Green.