William O. Howland

William O. HowlandFAA Official

William O. Howland, 82, a retired branch chief with the Federal Aviation Administration, died May 3 of gastrointestinal bleeding at Manor Care nursing facility in Bethesda. He was a Bethesda resident.

Mr. Howland joined the federal government in 1951 as a price analyst in his native Cleveland. He joined NASA in Cleveland in 1961 as a contract specialist.

He came to the Washington area in 1967 as a contract specialist with the FAA. In 1973, when he was named a branch manager in the logistics service, he was among the first African Americans to hold the position in the agency. He retired in 1986.

Mr. Howland served in the Army during World War II. He graduated from Cleveland's John Carroll University in 1951 and played on the varsity basketball team. Earlier, Mr. Howland and his brother turned down an opportunity to play professionally.

He continued to play basketball and roller-skate throughout his life. He won many awards for speed-skating and pairs roller skating and continued to roller-skate until February.

He was a member of St. Jane Frances de Chantal Catholic Church in Bethesda and served as an usher. He was also a member of the Knights of Columbus.

Survivors include his wife, Lettie Bannister Howland of Bethesda; five children, D.C. Department of Public Works Director William O. Howland Jr. of Washington, Philip Howland of Gaithersburg, Christopher Howland and Gregory Howland, both of Bethesda, and Letitia Howland of North Potomac; a sister; and two granddaughters.

-- Matt Schudel