Howard Erwin Homm-2008
The Burlington Record, Burlington, Colorado
Thursday, January 1,2009

Lifelong Burlington resident, Howard Erwin Homm, age 87, passed away on Thursday, Dec. 18, 2008 at his home north of Burlington. Howard was born March 18, 1921 to John and ZuElla Homm at their home on the river. At age 5 Howard started school at the North School in District 3. In 1929 Howard moved with his family down to the Launchman Creek where he attended school 93J in Yuma County. The Happy Hollow School had a 4-H club where Howard showed a steer purchased from his Granddad Knapp. His love of cattle was born. In 1936 Howard entered the 1st National Western Catch It Calf Contest where he caught a Hereford steer, and then showed him at the 1937 stock show. Howard earned an award in 1941 as an outstanding 4-H club member, and later founded the River 4-H Club.

Howard frequently saw Burdine as she sat in the window of her family home while he passed by to gather water many a winter day. He vowed someday to marry that girl, and on a cold and snowy day in February of 1945 his dream came true and he married the love of his life, Burdine A. Richards. The two were blessed with four children, Larry, John, Dick, and ZuAnn.

Howard served the community where he grew up for many years as a member of the Kit Carson County School Board and the Co-op Board. He was also a member of both the Kit Carson and Yuma County Cattleman's Associations. Howard was proud to receive the Bill Seward Award in Yuma County in 1993 for outstanding service, and honored again in 2005 by the Kit Carson County Cattlemen with the "Legendary Service Award." In 1982 Howard was honored to receive the Hereford Breeder of the Year award from the Colorado Hereford Association. In 2006 Howard stood proudly among numerous breeders honored at the National Western Stock Show for showing carloads of bulls in the stockyards for over 40 years.

Howard is survived by his wife of nearly 64 years, Burdine. Four children, Larry Homm and wife Dee of Burlington; John Homm of Morrill, Neb.; Richard Homm of Burlington, and ZuAnn Tuell and husband Ross of Wray. Ten grandchildren - Kristi Arnold and husband Chuck; Cy Homm and wife Stephanie; Robert Homm and wife Debbie; Justin Horiun and wife Shelby; LaDee Homm; Glen Hogan and wife Sonja; ZuElla Annen and husband Cody; Erin Johnson and husband Darnell; Jacie Homm; and· Brett Homm, along with 13 great-grandchildren - Melissa, Lance, Kade, Cody, Tyrell, Zaiden, Lawton, Connor, Kade, Layton, Merisa, Caprise and Maguire. Howard was preceded in death by his parents, John and ZuElla Homm, brother Jim Homm and wife Lois. Memorials may be made in his name to the Immanuel Lutheran Church and may be left at the First National Bank in Kirk. Funeral services for Howard were held on Tuesday, Dec. 23, 2008 at 10 a.m. at the Immanuel Lutheran Church in Bethune with Pastor Roger Millheim officiating. Burial followed at Fairview. Cemetery in Burlington. Visitation was held one hour prior to the service. Funeral arrangements were entrusted to Love Funeral Home, Burlington..