Howard Arthur Cumbo, 81, died peacefully in the North Valley Extended care in Tonasket WA September 19, 2012. Howard was born December 10, 1930 to Alva and Irene (Ludwig) Cumbo in Leavenworth WA. Howard's family lived for a brief time in the Methow Valley before settling in Chewelah Wa where he graduated High School in 1949. After High School Howard joined the Army in 1951 and served in the Korean War and discharged in 1953.

After the Army he met Byrdie Thrasher who was a nurse at Deaconess hospital . They moved to Oroville and were married on June 4th 1954

. They bought a small orchard and he started working for Zosel Lumber in 1955 and retired from there in 1992. He served on the Oroville Fire Dept from 1958 until 1992.

Howard enjoyed hunting and fishing and passed his love for that to his three children and grandchildren. He also enjoyed raising bees with his son Ken and was a state apiary inspector for the Okanogan County. After retirement he enjoyed yard sales and auctions and antiquing with his wife Byrdie. Later he became very involved with the Oroville Senior Center where he was on the board and held office. He loved to play pinochle every Saturday night at the Center.

Howard is preceded in death by his parents, Brothers Dale and Floyd, Wife Byrdie, Daughter Theresa and son Wayne. He is survived by his son Ken (Jan Hansen) of Oroville, six granddaughters Melisa (Jeremiah) Garcia of Mesquite Nv, Jennifer Allenby of Oroville, Alysia Cumbo of Ellensburg, Brea (Mark) Blakney of Wenatchee, Sara Horner of Fife Wa and Rachel Horner of Auburn Wa and Ten Great Grandchildren.

Services will be held Friday September 28th 11:00 Am at the Oroville Free Methodist Church with Pastor Rod Brown officiating, Interment will follow at the Riverview Cemetery in Oroville. A luncheon will follow at the Senior Center in Oroville. In lieu of flowers the family would like donations to be made to the Oroville Senior Center or the Oroville Fire Department.