Howard Lee Hora, 86 died peacefully Saturday, October 29, 2011 at home, surrounded by his loving family. Services will be 10:30 a.m. Thursday, November 3rd at Brosh Chapel in Cedar Rapids, located at 2121 Bowling Street SW, with burial to follow in Oak Hill Cemetery, where full military rites will be conducted. Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Wednesday at Brosh Chapel in Cedar Rapids. Howard was born April 18, 1925 in Cedar Rapids, the son of Loren L. and Alice Helen (Wiederkehr) Hora. He served in the United States Army during World War II. He was united in marriage to Lyla Faye Schnepp on October 26, 1946. Howard was a Ford mechanic for many years. He retired from FMC Linkbelt Speeder after 21 years. Howard enjoyed working on cars, traveling, watching NASCAR, Iowa basketball, and spending time with his family. He was a member of Disabled Veterans of America, UAW Retirees where he had served as President of Local 299, as well as a past member of VFW 788. Howard is survived by his children: Ronnie (Barbara) Hora of Mississippi, Rita Beard, Renee Petersen, Roxanne (Tony) Millburn all of Cedar Rapids; 12 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren; an aunt Mildred Smouse of Cedar Rapids; several cousins, nieces and nephews; his loving companion Helen Kay Mihal, and his beloved cat Tuffy III. Howard is preceded in death by his wife Lyla Faye who died on April 17, 2002; sons Randy and Rickey Hora; a daughter Rhonda Daughtery; his brothers Harold Hora, Loren Jr. Hora and George Cavakis; and a great-granddaughter Nevaeh Hora. Memorials may be directed to the Disabled Veterans of America Cedar Rapids Chapter 10.