Howard Metzger

Howard Earl Metzger, 91, died of Alzheimer’s Disease Friday, February 28, 2014, in Charleston, SC. Howard was born in Pittsburgh PA. Graduated from Shaler H.S., was enrolled in Univ. of Pittsburgh when Pearl Harbor was attacked and he enlisted in the army. He was married for 55 years to the late Doris Jean Coates, moved to Orlando in 1960. During WWII, served with 80th Infantry Div., 317th Anti-Tank Co. under Gen. Patton’s command, fighting in Ardennes 1944 to 1945. Member of Veterans of the Battle of the Bulge. During service he was awarded several Bronze Stars. In 2005 received the Chapel of Four Chaplains Legion of Honor Award from the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg. Member of Duquesne Commandery No. 72, Knights Templar in Pittsburgh; charter member of Sahib Shrine Temple and Mariners Unit, Sarasota. He was a member and past director of Sarasota Yacht Club, member of Sarasota Power Squadron and Order of Elks #1519, Sarasota and member of Pine Shores Presbyterian Church. As an industrial products salesman for Sun Oil Company in Florida, he approached and worked with chemists to improve spray oils for mosquito control. He was a member of the Florida Horticultural Society, Florida Fertilizer Assoc. and the National Mosquito Assoc. After he retired from Sun Oil Company, Howard started Specialty Oils in Florida. Survivors include his companion, Beth Johnson of Sarasota; two daughters, Debra M. Ponton of Charleston, SC, and Janet Metzger of Atlanta GA; two grandchildren, Daniel and Andrew Ponton; and one brother, Robert E. Metzger, Jr., of Pittsburgh, PA. Memorial service Saturday March 8, 10:00 AM. Pine Shores Presbyterian, 6135 Beechwood Ave, Sarasota 34231 (941) 922-1597. Donations can be made to www.shrinershospitalsforchildren.org/donate or Pine Shores.