VIRGINIA BEACH—Howard Preston Ives, 92, died May 30, 2008.

Mr. Ives

was born in Princess Anne County Feb. 9, 1916, to Edwin Preston and Mary Lucinda Bell Ives.

As a proud graduate of Oceana High School, he went on to serve our country in the Army during World War II achieving the rank of tech sergeant in the 29th infantry division.

A Bronze Star recipient, his greatest military achievement was storming the beaches of Normandy on D-Day and fighting in the Battle of the Bulge. As a lifelong member of Scott Memorial United Methodist Church, he met Mary Taylor Williams upon returning from the war. He married the love of his life Oct. 28, 1950, and presented her with a brick on their first anniversary.

This brick was the cornerstone of not only their first house, but also the life and family that they would create together, including two daughters, seven grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

After the war ended, Howard worked for 28 years for C&P Telephone Company and, as a farmer, continued to cultivate the land imparted to him by his father.

For as long as his eyesight would allow him, he continued to plow the fields with his tractor on the family farm and instilled in his grandchildren, or his “Junior Farmers,” as he called them, the same values he had received from his father.

A simple man with simple pleasures, he was truly “salt of the earth” and will always be remembered for his dry wit, kind heart and fierce loyalty to his country, church, friends and family.

He was a devoted member of Scott Memorial United Methodist Church all of his life and served as a member of the trustees, United Methodist Men and the Pearsall Bible Class.

Survivors include his wife, Mary Taylor Williams Ives; two daughters and husbands, Margaret and Harlan Lewis of Franklin and Nancy and Michael Disharoon of Virginia Beach; seven grandchildren, MaryAnn Lafler and husband Matt, Michael, Matthew and Mark Disharoon and Grayson, Jordan and Megan Lewis; two great-grandchildren, Braden and Claire Lafler.

A funeral was held Monday at Scott Memorial United Methodist Church by the Rev. John C. Price. Interment followed in Riverside Cemetery in Norfolk.

H.D. Oliver Funeral Apartments, Laskin Road,was in charge of arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Scott Memorial United Methodist Memorial fund.