Howard Walkup

Howard Keister Walkup, born May 24, 1928, went to be with his Lord and Savior on Saturday May 7, 2022. Howard was born and raised in McIntosh, Florida and graduated from Reddick High School where he played on both the basketball and football teams. After high school, Howard joined the army and served his country faithfully in Korea.

Following his years in the army, he worked as a deputy sheriff in Marion County until he went to work for the State of Florida Tax Revenue office.  In 1958 he married Irma Louise Weaver and they made their home in Ocala, Florida. They were happily married for 40 years and had three children: Suzanne Maloney, Carol Walkup Lariscy, and Daniel Howard Walkup.

In 1972, Howard and his family moved to Bradenton, Florida where he started his own business, Little John Portable Toilets.  He and Irma sold the business in 1985 and retired to McIntosh where they lived the rest of their lives.

Howard loved the Lord, his family, his church, his country, and his community.  He had the God given gift of serving others and never missed the opportunity to put that gift into action.  Howard was a founding member of the Community Presbyterian Church, PCA where he served as an Elder. He loved any occasion to serve in his church; no matter how great or small the task, he seized every opportunity to help. He also spent many years serving on the McIntosh Town Council, and was a member of the McIntosh Lions Club for over 35 years. Howard believed that in serving others he was serving the Lord Himself and delighted in every moment.

Even when he lost his sight and a lot of his independence due to Macular Degeneration, he never stopped serving others.  Every day he called to check on and encourage friends and family, especially those who were elderly or shut in due to age or health.  Many of his elderly friends have said they could not have made it through the Pandemic shutdowns and quarantines if it had not been for Howard's calls and encouragement.  Howard had a strong faith in God and never lost his sense of humor or his joy for life; yet, he was quick to tell everyone that he was ready to meet the Lord whenever God decided to call him home.

Howard Walkup was a great blessing to all who were privileged to know and love him.  Howard was a devoted Christian, husband, father and grandfather.  He was predeceased by Irma Weaver Walkup and is survived by Suzanne and Scott Maloney, Carol Walkup and Mike Lariscy,  Dan and Renee Walkup and six grandchildren: Jonathan Mitchel Maloney, Savannah Maloney, Ryann Lariscy, Carter Lariscy, Matthew Walkup and Samuel Walkup. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Community Presbyterian Church PCA,  PO BOX 616 McIntosh, FL 32664.

A Funeral service will be held 11:00 a.m. Saturday, May 21, 2022 at Community Presbyterian Church PCA, 20098 N US Hwy 441, McIntosh, FL 32664.