Howard John Killian Jr., born March 7, 1937, died on Monday, January 9, 2023, at the age of 85. He leaves behind a large family, including his loving wife, Mary Lou Killian née Schaab, and children Howard John Killian III and Carolyn Killian, Patrick Killian, Brendan Killian, Mary Killian Meier and Timothy Meier, Eileen Killian Correy and Joe Correy, and Terrence Killian and Lara Bovilsky. Howard is also survived by 10 grandchildren – Shannon, Brendan and Sarah, Cameron, Callaghan, Grace, John, J.T., Jack, and Sam– as well as a great-grandson, Braeden. He was preceded in death in the tragic early loss of Patricia Peterman Killian, his first wife, by his parents, Howard John Killian and Eleanor Mackesy Killian, and by his sister Mary Sylvanus and brother Raymond Killian.

Howard was born in Queens, N.Y. As a boy, he participated in the Boy Scouts of America, earning the rank of Eagle Scout. He attended St. Bonaventure University in Olean, N.Y., participating in the ROTC program there. Upon graduation, Howard enlisted in the Army, serving in Korea and in the Vietnam War and achieving the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. After exiting active service, he joined the Army Reserves, settled in East Moline, IL, and worked at the Rock Island Arsenal.

Always passionate about his values and beliefs, Howard offered leadership and service to many institutions important to him. A deeply faithful man, he was a member of St. Anne's Catholic Church in East Moline, serving as President of the parish Pastoral Council, as Extraordinary Minister of Communion, and singing in the church choir. Howard offered similar service elsewhere. He was a lifelong leader in the Boy Scouts from 1959 on, serving in diverse leadership positions in El Paso, Texas, Wharton, New Jersey, and Heidelberg, Germany, as well as in East Moline. Praising his extraordinary service, the Boy Scouts awarded him the Silver Beaver Award. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus, serving in the Fourth Degree. Killian also loved to travel. Both in military service and with his wife Mary Lou, he traversed the world, visiting 62 countries and all of the U.S. states.

Visitation will be 2-5 pm Sunday, January 15, at the Van Hoe Funeral Home, 1500 6th St., East Moline, where a rosary will be recited at 1 pm. A funeral mass will be held for Howard on Tuesday, January 17, at St. Anne's Church, 555 18th Ave, East Moline, at 10 am, followed by burial at the Rock Island National Cemetery. Please direct donations to St. Anne's Church or the American Diabetes Association.

Online condolences may be left for the family at www.vanhoe.com