Howard Francis Armstrong

Howard Francis Armstrong, 91, retired Fort Scott teacher, died Thursday, March 29, 2012, at Fort Scott Manor Nursing Home. He was born Jan. 25, 1921, in Hepler, Kan., the son of Frank W. Armstrong and Belle Watkins Armstrong. He was a 1939 graduate of Hepler High School and received his master's degree in elementary education from Pittsburg State University.

Howard married Agnes Laureta Workman on Oct. 26, 1941, at Columbus, Kan. He began teaching in 1943. He began teaching in rural Crawford County schools. In five of the schools he was the only teacher, instructing grades 1-8. He began teaching fifth grade at Eugene Ware School in Fort Scott in 1960. He remained there for 23 years. He retired in May of 1983, following 40 years of teaching. He said the qualifications for a teacher are, "To have the wisdom of Solomon and the patience of Job."

A good part of his retirement was spent building wind chimes and whirly gigs. He was an avid gardener and took pride in keeping his lawn in tip-top shape. Howard was a member of the Community Christian Church, Ideal Chapter No. 369 Order Eastern Star, Hiattville, and Masonic Lodge No. 93, Girard, Kan.

Survivors include his wife, Agnes, of the home; two daughters Virginia Finley and husband, Robert, Walnut, Kan., Diana Fletcher and husband, David, Fort Scott; two sons, Steven Armstrong and wife, Janet, Fort Scott and Stanley Armstrong and wife, Roberta, Arlington, Texas. Also surviving are 10 grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; seven great-great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Warren Armstrong.

The Rev. Kevin Moyers will conduct funeral services at 10 a.m., Tuesday, at Community Christian Church. Burial will follow in the Hiattville Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., Monday, in the Cheney Witt Chapel. Memorials are suggested to either the Community Christian Church or Fort Scott Manor Activity Fund and may be sent to Cheney Witt Chapel, P.O. Box 347, Fort Scott, KS 66701.

Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com