Howard Wilson Vogt

After Howard’s diagnosis of prostate and colon cancer, he began planning how he and Joyce would fulfill their dream of traveling and experiencing as much of God’s creation as they could. He methodically booked cruises that eventually would take them to all seven of the world’s continents. The two of them saw well-known and lesser-known wonders, the memories of which added richness to his life, even as he underwent chemotherapy to hold the disease at bay. Howard’s final encounter with cancer treatment was as a participant in a clinical trial of a new drug for colon cancer. He was one of only a handful of people who was able to endure for a full year. The fact that one person might survive because of what was learned from his experience motivated Howard to persist, despite the difficulties he faced.

Howard was born in Richmond, Virginia. He graduated from Highland Springs High School in 1959. He joined the U.S. Air Force and was stationed at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas for four years. He obtained a Bachelors Degree in Mechanical Engineering from Virginia Commonwealth University. His career was spent with Philip Morris (Altair) where he held many titles. Most notably, Howard Vogt’s innovative efforts for that company yielded thirteen patents which are registered with the U.S. government.

He took early retirement from Philip Morris to help Joyce run the Jasmine Plantation Bed & Breakfast Inn in New Kent County, Virginia. The couple had purchased the land, renovated the old farmhouse and converted it into the first licensed B&B in the county. Howard worked many hours cutting trails so guests could enjoy walking the property and observe the wildlife. Periodically, Joyce and Howard would take vacation trips around the United States to seek antique “treasures” to furnish and enhance the Inn. The whole project was a labor of love for many years. However, in 2002, after thoroughly enjoying a visit with friends in Osprey, Florida, they sold the Inn and moved to savor a different way of life in the beautiful Sarasota area.

Howard was preceded in death by his mother, Eleanor; his father, Howard Wilson, Sr.; a brother, William (Billy); and a son, William. He is survived by his beloved wife of 30 years, Joyce; a daughter, Cindy Vogt of West Palm Beach, Florida; a son, Tim Vogt of Varina, Virginia; stepsons, Warren Waymack of Prince George, Virginia and Clarke Waymack of Winchester, Virginia; grandchildren, Warren (Bubba) Waymack and Jessica Bush; great grandchildren, Kyleigh Harlow and Jakobi Bush. Howard dearly loved his family.

A Celebration of Life is scheduled on January 19, 2015 at 11:00 AM at Church of Hope, 1560 Wendell Kent Road, Sarasota Florida 34240. Funeral arrangements and services are provided by Wiegand Brothers Funeral Home of Sarasota. A private burial was done at Pamunkey United Methodist Church, Lanexa, Virginia. Donations in Howard’s memory may be made to Pamunkey United Methodist Church, Lanexa, Virginia or Church of Hope, Sarasota, Florida.