Howard Earl Coltrain, 82, of Centerville, Iowa passed away peacefully at home on September 15th, 2024. He is currently on his final train ride to heaven, blowing that horn all the way.
He is the sixth son of Emery Linden Coltrain and Myrtis Marie (Proctor) Coltrain born February 19, 1942. Howard had six siblings, two of which have proceeded him in death.
His first day of school was at the Moravia schoolhouse where his mother taught all her children. The family then moved to Des Moines, Iowa where he attended Tech High School. He joined the United States Air Force with basic training at Lackland Air Force base in San Antonio, Texas. He became an engine mechanic in the Air Force.
While in the Air Force he met his wife Judith Kay (Hartung) Coltrain. They were married on June 5th, 1964, and celebrated their 60th anniversary this summer. To this union they have five children- Donna (Nick) Henson, Jerry Coltrain (Missy Atchison), Lynn (Tammy) Coltrain, Lorie Coltrain (Dennis Flora), and Barbara (Jeff) Baker. They have 13 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren, with one on the way.
Howard worked for the railroad as a diesel mechanic for 33 years. Throughout those years he worked for Rock Island Railroad, Chicago Northwester Railroad, and Union Pacific Railroad. He worked and lived in multiple towns and states including Des Moines, Iowa; Marshalltown, Iowa; and Little Rock, Arkansas.
Howard enjoyed working on old cars and tractors. He could always be found tinkering on something in the garage.
Howard is survived by his wife, Judy, his children, grandchildren and great- grandchildren. His Brothers Joe Coltrain, Don Coltrain, Jim (Ruth)Coltrain, Chuck (Julie) Coltrain, sister-in-law Gay Coltrain and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his Parents, His brother Dean Coltrain, sister Lois Bubenyak and brother-in-law Jerry Bubenyak, Sister-in-laws Fran Coltrain and Norma Coltrain.
Howard will be remembered for his generosity and love for his family and friends.
He will be missed by all.
A visitation in his honor will be held on Friday, September 20, 2024, from noon until 2pm. With a celebration of life to begin at 2pm, all at the Sunset Memorial Chapel, 7601 Fleur Dr in Des Moines. Burial with military honors will be at the Sunset Memorial Garden.
