Howard Dale Bolender 1921 - 2009 Howard Bolender went to be with Jesus on April 11, 2009. Howard was born on August 2, 1921 to William L. Bolender and Lillie May Duggins. Howard's father died when he was young and Lillie remarried to George L. Ingham. They all preceded him in death. Howard attended Kern County High School where he graduated. He was an auto service attendant when he joined the Army Air Core on October 17, 1942. He served in the European Theater and was honorably discharged January 15, 1946. While in the service Howard received the American Campaign Medal, the European African Middle Eastern Campaign Medal, the Good Conduct Medal and the World War II Victory Medal. After serving his Country he returned home to Woody, California. He married Shirley Irene Smith who preceded him in death. He went to work for the Kern County Fire Department on September 2, 1948. He was first stationed at Woody and then Glennville. He served his community as a fireman for 28 years before he retired from the fire department. He may have retired from the fire department but he never quit serving his community. He was always helping someone or working for someone. He was a Charter Member of the Greenhorn Mountain Veterans. Howard left behind three sons, Clinton, Charles and Dennis; two grandchildren, Bryce and Ethan; great- grandson, Bryce Jr.; and great-granddaughter, Jayci. He left behind so many friends, I couldn't begin to name them all. His sons and grandsons nickname for Howard was Superman. He was always there when they needed him and he would never give up. Memorial services will be held at Mt. Carmel Community Church, Glennville, CA, at 10:30 a.m., on Sunday, April 19; and the Greenhorn Mountain Veterans Hall at 12:30 p.m., also on Sunday, April 19, Glennville, CA. Howard will be laid to rest on Monday, April 20, at Oak Grove Cemetery, Glennville, CA, at 11:00 a.m. with full Military Honors. Those who wish to attend are welcome.

Published in Bakersfield Californian on 4/15/2009