Howard Aycock

Services for Howard Aycock of Lake Belton, will be at 10:00 AM Friday, October 17 at Scanio-Harper Funeral Home with Rev. Darren Walker officiating. Burial will be at Bellwood Memorial Park. Mr. Aycock passed away Saturday, October 11, 2014 at Scott & White Hospital in Temple. He was born in Temple to Joe and Jessie Mae Lavender Aycock in 1926. His mother was the first woman County Commissioner in Bell County history. Mr. Aycock graduated from Temple High School in 1944 where he played football, basketball and ran track. He received a football scholarship to John Tarleton College. He later attended McLennan Community College in Waco. He joined the Maritime Marines in WWII under the ospesis of the U.S. Coast Guard. He served in the Atlantic, Pacific, Mediterranean and the far east war zones. He went around the world in his tour of duty. During this time, he was awarded the Distinguished Service Medal for Bravery, the Combat Action Commemorative Medal, World War II Victory Commemorative Medal, Overseas Service Medal, Asian Pacific Campaign Medal, Defense Meritorious Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Service Medal and the Atlantic War Zone Campaign Medal. He was also named the Pacific Middleweight Champion (28 wins, 7 losses and 13 KO's). He received an honorable discharge from the U.S. Coast Guard on August 15, 1945. In 2004, Mr. Aycock was awarded by President Bush, a certificate of Appreciation in Acknowledgement and Dedication to the Republican National Committee. Also in 2004, he received the highest honor by being awarded a Certificate of Dedication, Sacrifice and Commitment to the Bush-Cheney Campaign. In 2005, he received a Certificate of Merit and was also awarded a Charter Membership of George W. Bush Presidential Center in Dallas. Mr. Aycock continued to receive recognition for his active role in the community throughout his life. He was a lifetime member of the Golden Eagle NRA. In 1991, he was awarded the Citizen of the Year by the National Board of Directors of the NRA. He also was awarded, by Charlton Heston, a certificate for Faithful Service in the Cause of Freedom and Years of Friendship. He also received a Certificate of Merit for support in the United States Olympic Committee. He was appointed as a sustaining member of the Sheriff's Association of the Texas Memorial and Training Center in Austin. In 1996, he was awarded the NRA Legion of Honor. He was a sustaining member of the NRA Institute for his legislative action in 2001. Mr. Aycock was recognized by the Corp of Engineers of Fort Worth as a member of the Temple Park Task Force in the Development of Temple Lake Park Road. In 2002, he graduated from Morgan's Point Police Academy with honors. In 2009, he was awarded by the Board of Directors of National Law Enforcement as a permanent member of the National Law Enforcement Museum. In 2010, he was awarded a Certificate for Outstanding service to Local Police. Mr. Aycock was very active in the Executive Branch for the Boy Scouts for many years. He was also active in the Junior Chamber of Commerce as a judge and referee on their boxing program. He was a past President of the Central Texas Sportsman Club and on the Board of Directors. He was a Member of the American Legion and a Life Member of the V.F.W. He was awarded Honorary Citizenship to Boys Town for his years of service and support for displaced children. He was awarded the honor of Donor of his many years for the Military Troops fighting terrorism in Iraq and Afghanistan. Before going into the service, he worked for the Santa Fe Railroad and climbed pole for the Southern Section of the Signal Department. He loved fishing and hunting in which he was very active. He was also an avid motorcycle rider. At the time of his death, he owned an 1800cc Honda Goldwing and had won three First Place Trophies in bike shows. He was an active member in the Honda Goldwing Road Riders Association, Lone Star Voyagers Club and the American Motorcycle Association. In 2004, he completed the Experienced Rider Skill Training Course given by Goldwing Advanced Rider Committee. He was a member of the Christian Motorcycle Association. Mr. Aycock was awarded the Best Boss of the Year at Scott & White Clinic for his service as Director of Collection. After forty-two years of service, he retired from Scott & White. He also owned and operated Aycock Quality Auto's of Lake Belton for 13 years. He was owner of Aycock Lakeside Boat Storage and operated this for 38 years. During his active life, he became a certified scuba diver. He and his family were avid skiers. He was a licensed pilot (member of the Confederate Air Force). He was a member of the First Christian Church where he actively served as Deacon and was on the Board of Directors. Mr. Aycock married Voncille Lee in June, 1948 at the First Methodist Church in Jarrell. Voncille preceded him in death in 1999. Survivors include one daughter, Melissa Munns, her husband Wes, two grandsons, Patrick and Mark all of Georgetown, one brother Edward Aycock of Temple. His older brother Mateland Aycock served with the famous 101st Airborne and jumped in Normandy on D Day, in Holland and was in the Battle of the Bulge. Mateland preceded him in death. Visitation will be 6:00 - 8:00 PM Thursday, October 16 at Scanio-Harper Funeral Home.