Dr. Donald Ray Howard, 79, Lewisville, TX, formerly of Topeka, died Tuesday, February 5, 2013.

He was born November 27, 1933 in Topeka, KS, the son of LaVerne Glenn and Mildred Norrean (Mellinger) Howard. He was a 1951 graduate of Topeka High School, served in the U.S. Marine Corps, graduated from Washburn University and received his PhD. from Bob Jones University.

A man of unique vision and leadership his life’s pursuit was the perfecting of individual education and developing innovative tools that transformed education internationally. He was founder of the Calvary College, Accelerated Christian Education, School of Tomorrow, and School of Reform.

A loving and devoted husband, father and Jayhawk fan, he is survived by his beloved wife, Jo Ann (Hazzard) Howard, his four children, Melody Kirkland, Donald, Daniel and Duane Howard; step-children, Cynthia Contess and Steve Hazzard; a sister, Joyce Anderson; 16 grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; and a cousin, Glen Guffey of Topeka. He was preceded in death by his parents, and a daughter, Harmony Howard.

Funeral services will be 10 a.m., Saturday, February 9, 2013 at the Penwell-Gabel Parker-Price Chapel, 245 NW Independence Ave, Topeka, KS 66608. Interment will follow at Rochester Cemetery, Topeka. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Crossroads Hospice, 11150 Thompson Ave, Lenexa, KS 66219.

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