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Howard Pyle   I was born in Gallatin Co., Ill. on Nov. 28, 1924.  My wife, & best friend Jean rode the same school bus to High School. She lived on a farm, and I lived in the small town of New Haven.     My Mother played and taught piano all her life; mostly in Church. She wanted to give my 2 Brothers and I lessons but we never did take to it.   One time she was sick and had a young lady in to do the housework. This girl always wore an apron with a harmonica in the pocket which she would play at times.    I got a harmonica and learned to play it. They only cost .25 cents back then.     I always liked the sound of a guitar so Mother bought me a Sears-Roebuck Silvertone guitar when I was in High School.     I was drafted into the Army, just out of high school, in June, 1943.  I took basic training at Camp Crowder, MO., and became a High Speed Radio Operator.(Morse Code)   Jean , and I were married on Dec. 8, 1943, then I went to Ft. Riley Kansas, and from there to France and Germany, during WW11.     When the war ended in Germany I was on the Rhine River, and was sent from there to Marsielles France, then on to South Pacific Theater.    I did not know at the time, we were scheduled to invade Japan.    Luckily we were aboard ship 4 days out of Manila when the first Atomic Bomb was dropped. The second Bomb was dropped two days later, which ended the war.   We continued on to Japan. After Japan, I was sent back to Ft. Lawton, Washington, in Seattle, and then home.     I joined the Reserves in 1950, and my unit was called back to serve in the Korean War. Luckily  Jean & I had two children, so I didn't have to go overseas.   I stayed in Ft. Leonard Wood. Mo.   Once , while on maneuvers in Tenn., we'd go into Nashville, every week end .   We could get into the Ryman Auditorium free, to see the Grand Ole Opry.   I loved those old country songs,(still do) and went every time I could.   I spent a total of five years in the Army. I have two Honorable Discharges, & earned eight medals, during this time.     Jean and I lived in Texas for 48 years.  I worked in sales during this time.    We have four children, ten grandchildren, and two great grandchildren.    Jean only worked outside the home one time, as a secretary at the Church in Houston.    She was a great cook, seamstress, quilter, and pie maker.  She went home to her Lord and savior this fall. (2007)                                                         I miss her.   I will start volunteering at the Baxter Regional Hospital, in Jan.  I will be working at the East entrance where John Neighbors provides Valet service. Perhaps we'll play music together.   I am also a member of the Baxter Co. Poets Society, and last but not least,   I am part of the Monday Night Jamboree, and hold the honor as the most senior jammer.                                                                                                ~Howard Pyle Howard, is a true example of what it means to be a great  American, a great performer, and an all-around great human being. He is also a fine poet, and recently won an award for his poem, "The Candle." Look for  a few of his poems, in our poetry section. We adore him, and look forward to our times together.                                                                                                   ~Bobby Smith

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