Howard W. “Ox Man” VanOrd, 82, of Russell, PA., died after an extended illness, peacefully surrounded by his family, Saturday morning, October 20, 2018 at the Rouse Warren County Home, Youngsville, PA. He was born October 17, 1936 in Russell, PA., to the late Lewis and Eleanor Mae Wilbur VanOrd, Jr. Howie was a lifelong Lander-Russell, PA., area resident. He was a 1954 graduate of Northern Area High School and attended Behrend College, Erie, PA. He was employed with the former National Forge Company as a press smith retiring in 1986 after 25 years employment. Howie’s love was raising Oxen, which he did for 60 years. He was a 4-H Leader for 30 years and served on the 4-H Development Council for many years. He was in charge of the only Oxen Chapter in the state of Pennsylvania. Howie was in charge of the Oxen Barn for 30 years, during the Warren County Fair. He was a founding member and former President of the Midwestern Ox Drovers Association. He made thousands of Ox Yokes throughout the United States and Canada.
Howie was also a member of the Kinzua Modeler Airplane Club.
He was a true family man, enjoyed helping and working with anything to do with kids, and with working cattle. He was a history buff and remembered for always taking care of his wife, family and anybody who needed help.
Howard is survived by his wife of 58 years, Elizabeth A. “Betty Ann” Huckabone VanOrd whom he married June 11, 1960 at the Lander United Methodist Church, 4 Children – Jessica VanOrd of Cambodia, Dana Kozlowski of Randolph, N.Y., Connie Todryk and husband, Mike of Eden Prairie, Minnesota, Andy VanOrd and wife, Kathy of Russell, PA., 1 Brother – Ronald VanOrd and wife, Jan of Westfield, N.Y., 2 Sisters – Virginia Kiffer of Endeavor, PA., Cora Walter and husband, Frank of Vestal, N.Y., 6 Grandchildren, 2 Great Grandchildren, several nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his daughter, Ronda Renee VanOrd, 2 Brothers – Lewis and Stewart VanOrd, 1 infant brother, Clair Allen VanOrd.
The family wants to publicly acknowledge and thank the loving and committed staff of the Rouse Warren County Home, whom took exceptional care of their dear husband, father and grandfather. <>
A private funeral service will be conducted at the convenience of the family. Interment will be in Pine Grove Cemetery, Russell, PA. Those wishing to place memorials may do so through Lander Volunteer Fire Department or Friends of the Rouse or Shriners Children’s Hospital of Erie, PA. Those wishing to place e-mail condolences may do so by visiting www.lewisfuneralhomeinc.com
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
So sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you
Dana…my heart is so sad for the loss of your beloved father. May your memories help carry you through the days ahead. Condolences to your mother and family. Love, Glenna
We always will remember Howie and his love for the oxen. He was such a great man. Dona and Bob
We are so sorry for your loss. We remember Howie fondly from the many years at the fair and 4-H activities, including selling ads for the Plat books. Please know that he will be remembered by many.
Sheryl and Steve
Nancy and I will forever remember our visit with the family when we picked up our yoke. Our condolences to the family. Jim and Nancy Whelan Trail Creek Indiana.
God surround you with peace. My prayers going your way. Howard was a good roomie for my dad: Rev Norman Hornburg.
RIP…..Howie…..thanks for the yokes and all the knowledge you graciously shared…
Betty and family, Im so sorry for your loss. I have fond memories of Howie from my 4H years and many years at the Warren county Fair. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
So very sorry.
Dan and I will always remember Howie’s wisdom and kindness. I met he and Betty and Andy and Tessa at MODA founding meeting, and later on at Fryberg Fair…He made the finest ox yokes and bows ever… You will always be in my thoughts, Howie, when ever I see oxen… RIP my friend.
We offer our condolences to Kathy, Andy and family.
Sincerely,
Mary Kay and Family
My family and I sincerely pass along our sympathies in the loss of Howard. Dale and I enjoyed seeing himcat the MODALS gatherings and board meetings for many years. We were all so interested in seeing MODALS succeed. Andy, it is up to you to further your fathers interests and keep oxen going forward. A true gentleman. May God give you peace.
I would like to pass my family’s condolences for myself and my brother Billy Dies to Betty and her family. They have always been so sweet to Billy no matter where they saw him. And he loved to see them! Our hearts & prayers go out to you all. Howie was a special kind of guy! May God bless you & help you find peace.
Nancy(Dies)Campbell & Billy Dies
Howie and Billie sat together at the Rouse Summerfest fireworks in August and had a good visit.
I enjoyed Howard so much, I am glad our paths crossed. He was one of a kind, and will be greatly missed. ❤️
So sorry for your loss. Howard had a great and kindly life.
So sorry for your loss. Howard had a great and kindly life.
The passing of a fine ox man and teamster. I will remember our great conversations on the subject of working cattle. Your legacy will carry on. You will be missed, but not forgotten. Our best to Betty and Andy and family. You are in our thoughts.
I started working Devon cattle in 2003. I was privileged to meet Howard van Ord in 2004 when he was visiting California. I spent four hours listening to him tell stories about these wonderful animals. I felt as if I was receiving exceptional education about oxen. He was patient with my questions as a beginner in this field at age 57. I was inspired by his words to continue learning about oxen. I am now in my 16th year working oxen and my third oxen team, again a team of Devon cattle. Howard spread his love for oxen wherever he found himself. I am honored and grateful for his wisdom.