Howard Lumpkin

Obit for Howard Kent Lumpkin Howard Kent Lumpkin passed away Monday, November 15, 2010 in Roswell, NM at the age of 85. Kent was born July 3, 1925 in Belair, KS to Frank and Ruby Wilson Lumpkin. Kent served in the US Army during World War II and was stationed in the South Pacific. He was honorably discharged and attended the University of Illinois on the GI Bill, graduating in 1951 with a degree in Chemical Engineering, while at the University, Kent met and married his one true love, Helen Marsh, on September 26, 1947. They spent 60 wonderful years together raising four children until her passing in March of 2008. Kent worked for the US Government in the Missile Defense program at the Redstone Arsenal in Huntsville, AL. He specialized in rocket propulsion and during his career he worked with many distinguished scientists, including Werner Von Braun. After his retirement in 1976, Kent and Helen traveled the country for several years and settled in Roswell, NM, Kent was a Docent at the Roswell Museum and Art Center where he used his knowledge of Rocketry in the Goddard Rocket Exhibit. He was also a member of the Chaparral Rockhounds where he enjoyed participating and leading many field trips. As a lifelong learner, Kent was always interested in discovering new ideas and new places to visit. He was very involved in his children and grandchildren’s lives, always there to cheer and encourage them. Kent is survived by daughter Kathy Hamilton of Roswell, NM; son and daughter-in-law, Kevin and Linda Lumpkin of Denton, TX; daughter and son-in-law Karen and Roger Dobbins of Scottsboro, AL; daughter and son-in-law Kelley and Oliver Peck of Roswell, NM; sister Pauline Wetz of Kiowa, KS; 8 grandchildren and spouses, 6 great grand children, and many nieces and nephews. Kent was preceded in death by his wife, Helen and his parents, Frank and Ruby Lumpkin. A memorial service will be held Saturday, November 20, 2010 at Anderson Bethany Funeral Home at 11:00 a.m. with Vista Care Chaplain Garth Hyde officiating. Please take a moment to share your thoughts and memories with the family in the online register book at andersonbethany.com Services are under the direction of Anderson-Bethany Funeral Home and Crematory.

Howard Lumpkin

July 3, 1925 - November 15, 2010