Howard Edwin Sinclair, 95

Chaplain and retired singing evangelist Howard Edwin Sinclair passed through the valley of the shadow of death early morning on Tuesday, May 6, 2014, in the comfort of his beloved Eden Valley home with his wife by his side.
Howard was born Nov. 11, 1918 in Rockwell, Texas, to  Edwin Wayne and Dora (Renfro) Sinclair.  He graduated from Haltom High School (formerly Birdville), in Haltom, Texas. After graduation Sgt. Howard Sinclair served in the US Army in the Timber Wolf Division from June 7, 1944 – Jan. 15, 1946 and was decorated with World War II Victory Medal, three Bronze Stars, Good Conduct, and a Purple Heart.
His greatest fear was crossing the Rhine River in Bonn, Germany with enemies all about. Loaded down with M-1 rifle, 80 pounds or more of ammunition, grenades, heavy army boots and jacket, there would be no way to survive if the enemy straffed their boats. Too scared to pray and knees knocking together, he cried for protection. His testimony is God sent help and deliverance for as he looked down at his feet there was a piece of yellow paper about 2×3 1/2 inches with the most glorious words from Isaiah 43:1-5. “…Fear not for I have redeemed thee…when thou passeth through the waters I will be with thee…”
After his honorable discharge from the Army he went on to graduate from Union College in 1950 with a major in theology and two minors: education and music. He then served as a member and employee of the SDA Conference as ordained preacher, school administrator/teacher, chaplain and missionary. After retiring from the SDA Conference he became a real estate broker.
He married a lovely lady, Ava Roberts on May 13, 1940 and they were married 45 years till her death. At age 80 Howard married again on April 7, 1999 to Catherine Knight Oakes. They were happily married 15 1/2 years till his death. The couple resided outside of Ava, Mo., at their Eden Valley Ranch.
Howard had the gift of seeing beauty in all things even in scrap piles of tin and wood. He envisioned what glorious masterpieces could become of such piles. He saw humanity much the same way – broken pieces piled in a scrap pile. But Howard knew the God of Creation that took such broken pieces and created beautiful masterpieces. He had the eyes and heart to see the finished work God was doing for broken humanity and consequently saw and treated individuals as God’s finished divine creations. Thus he lived in peace with God and man.
Howard built his life around the Rock of Salvation. He never hesitated to share his belief in Jesus Christ, the redeemer and savior of all mankind. His faith in God’s Word carried him through smooth and tough times. Life and family brought many challenges but he always prayed them through. Howard taught friends and family to Never give up- NEVER give up – NEVER GIVE UP! His two favorite sayings were: “I was wrong wuntzed.” and “Yes, Dear.”
Howard had acquired and shared often times great words of wisdom. Those who knew you, Howard, saw the Savior and we will miss your presence here on earth, greatly.
Howard was preceded in death by his first wife, Ava, and his son David Sinclair.
He is survived by his loving wife, Catherine Sinclair, and his stepchildren, Matthew and Jason Oakes, and step-grandchildren, Jason Jr. and Jordin Oakes, and great-granddaughter Breanna Oakes; his son Timothy Paul Sinclair and his wife, Tracy; grandson Travis; granddaughter Chandler and her husband, Austin Bickford; grandson Ryan and his wife, Danielle, and their children Logan and Abigal. Also surviving are his grandson, Davey Sinclair and his wife, Katherine, and their four children, Sarah, Molly, Nolan and Ava Sinclair.
All are invited to share their memories and condolences at his Memorial Service on June 4, 2014 between 2-4 p.m. at the SDA church in Ava, Mo.  For information call (417) 683-1142.