Obituary: Mr. Howard Touchstone

Howard William Touchstone, age 99, of Rome, GA peacefully passed away on Sunday, September 1, 2024, at Oakview Health and Rehabilitation.

Howard was born on June 3, 1925, in Armuchee, Georgia.  He was the son of the late Fay Touchstone and Pearl Barton Touchstone of Armuchee, Georgia.  He was a graduate of Everett Springs School in the Class of 1942.  He was one of the last remaining WWII Veterans having joined the United States Navy in 1944 and served in Guam as a Pharmacist’s Mate, 2nd Class until 1946. Upon returning home, he and his brothers bought and operated Touchstone Brothers Store in the Everett Springs Community for many years.

He retired from the General Electric Plant in Rome in 1988 where he had worked for 34 years. Howard served as the first President of the General Electric Credit Union from 1966-1975 and was there the day they reached one million dollars. He was the last remaining charter member of West Rome Methodist Church where he had taught Sunday School for almost 60 years.  He was presently a member of Trinity by the River Church in Rome. He loved to read, especially his Bible, and was an avid gardener spending every summer planting and caring for his Willow Beans, tomatoes, and other vegetables.

Howard was a dedicated and loyal Master Mason in Cherokee Masonic Lodge #66 for 55 years. He served as Master in 1976, was selected and joined the York Right Bodies of the Royal Arch Masons in 1977, served on the Rome Counsel #15, served 2 years on the Rome Commandery #8, and served in the Knight York Cross of Honor in Atlanta where he served as Chaplain (Prelet) for a one-year appointment.  He was Master of the 7th Masonic District of GA in 1988.  For 10 years, he served as the District Deputy to the Grand Master of GA, served as Chaplain of Cherokee Ledge #66 for more than 25 years, and in 2013 he was the Grand Chaplain for the Grand Lodge of Georgia.  He conferred numerous masonic degrees and conducted countless masonic graveside services during his years in the Masons.

In 2018, Howard was presented with the Rupert H. Bramblett Award, one of the highest awards a Mason can receive.

Along with his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Betty Jane Stansell Touchstone, a brother, Weldon Touchstone, a sister, Mary Beth Bridges, and a twin brother, Houston Touchstone.

Howard is survived by a son, Randall (Vicki) Touchstone; a daughter, Gloria (Kennith) Moseley; grandchildren Eric (Karen) Touchstone,

Brian (Lana) Moseley, Angela (Brian) Szeremeta, Tiffany (Tracy) Pate, Emily (Brent) Mobbs; great-grandchildren Brody Mobbs, Kaylan Moseley, Anson Szeremeta, Libby Mobbs, Cooper Szeremeta, LeeAnna Moseley, Graham Touchstone, Daniel Moseley, and Ellie Pate.

Funeral Services for Mr. Touchstone will be held on Saturday, September 7, 2024, at 2:00 PM at Trinity by the River Church, located at 606 Turner McCall Blvd. Rome, GA 30165.  with Rev. Wayne Hopper will officiate the service, along with The Honorable Ray Knittel and Kennith Moseley. Interment will follow the service at Oaknoll Memorial Gardens at 2549 Shorter Ave., Rome, GA 30165 with Masonic and Military rites.

The family will receive friends at the church prior to the service from 11:00 am until the service hour at 2:00 pm.

The following Gentlemen will serve as pallbearers: Eric Touchstone, Brian Moseley, Brent Mobbs, Tracy Pate, Brody Mobbs, and Keith Touchstone. Daniel Moseley will serve as Jr. Pallbearer. Honorary Pallbearers will be his Masonic brothers. Mlitary honors by American Legion Shanklin-Attaway Post No 5.

In lieu of flowers, donations can made to the Masonic Children’s Home at the following address:  Masonic Home of Georgia, 1417 Nottingham Drive, Macon, Georgia 31211.

Good Shepard Funeral Home of Rome, GA is in charge of the services for Mr. Howard William Touchstone.