Howard J. Leverence, age 88 of Elberta, Alabama; passed away May 9, 2008 in Elberta. Howard was born February 8, 1920 in Chicago, Illinois to William and Marie Leverence and later moved to Twin Lake and Gulf Shores, Alabama. Howard had been a truck driver at Gerber Products Company in Fremont for many years and then started work at Wagoner Transportation in Muskegon where he worked for 25 years until his retirement in 1976. Howard was a veteran of World War II where he served with the 1st Cavalry Division in the Pacific Theatre. He was awarded the Good Conduct Medal, Combat Infantrymans badge of which he was most proud; Philippine Island Campaign Star; Southern Philippine Island Campaign Star and was a Purple Heart Recipient. Howard was a member of the Dalton Baptist Church in Twin Lake; VFW #5658 in Elberta, Alabama; and the Combat Infantrymans Association. Howard is survived by his wife of 68 years, Leora (Millis) Leverence of Elberta, Alabama; his daughters, Anita McNutt of Elberta, Alabama; Rebecca (Frank) Balogh of Elberta, Alabama; Dorcas Leverence of Twin Lake, Michigan; 1 son, James (Sharon) Leverence of Oneida, Tennessee; 14 grandchildren; 21 great grandchildren; 8 great great grandchildren; 2 brothers, Robert Leverence of Michigan; Richard Leverence of Illinois. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Roberta Leverence; his granddaughter, Julie (Robart) Terwillegar on January 18, 2007; his great grandson, Richard Robart; 2 brothers, William Leverence and Edwin Leverence. Memorial services will be held on Saturday, July 26, 2008 at 1pm at the Crandell Funeral Home Fremont Chapel with Pastor Robert Wessell presiding with a visitation from 12-1 at the funeral home. Military rites were given by the Newaygo VFW Sportsmans Post #4249. Interment will take place at the East Hesperia Cemetery. Friends may send a condolence or share a memory online with the Leverence family at www.crandellfh.com. Arrangements by Crandell Funeral Home Fremont Chapel.