Howard Cleveland Brubaker

Howard Cleveland Brubaker of Olar, South Carolina died at his home Saturday, February 27, 2021 at the age of 85 after several years of declining health. 

Howard was born on May 22, 1935 in Rockingham County, Virginia, the first child of the late Jacob and Reba (Showalter) Brubaker. On March 22, 1956 he married Miriam (Heatwole) Brubaker. Together they raised four children: Daryl, Myron, Phyllis, and Steven. Howard was a member of the Barnwell Mennonite Church.

Howard was preceded in death by his eldest son, Daryl. He is survived by his loving wife, Miriam, three children and their spouses, Myron (Jane Gochnauer) of Olar, Phyllis (Dale Mast) of Batesburg-Leesville, Steven (Cynthia Brenneman) of Guys Mills, Pennsylvania, and a daughter-in-law, Sharon (Brubaker) Yoder, of Wagener.  He has 17 grandchildren and 38 great-grandchildren.

Howard is also survived by four sisters: Helen Kurtz, of Morgantown, PA, Doris Heatwole, of Bridgewater, VA, Sophie Martin, of Harrisonburg, VA, and Lois Lahman, of Lacombe, LA. Howard was preceded in death by his one brother, James Brubaker.

Howard and Miriam moved from Virginia to Bamberg County in 1973. He was a lifelong farmer and a longtime church leader (he was ordained to the ministry in 1969.) Howard, along with Miriam, served the church and community with faithfulness and warm friendship. Many will treasure their memories of Howard’s smile, welcoming handshake, or friendly punch on the shoulder. The words of one of his favorite hymns capture the focus of his life: “Let us pray for each other, not faint by the way, in this sad world of sorrow and care. For our home is so bright and it’s almost in sight, and I trust in my heart you’ll go there.”

A funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m., Wednesday, March 3, at Barnwell Christian School, with burial in the Barnwell Mennonite Church cemetery.

Visitation with the family will be Tuesday, March 2, from 2:00-4:00 p.m. and 6:00-8:00 p.m. at the Barnwell Mennonite Church.

The family will probably not be wearing masks, but they welcome anyone who wishes to wear masks to do so.

Memorial contributions may be made to South Atlantic Mennonite Missions (782 Partridge Rd., Olar, SC 29843).

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