New Mexico native to be honored at memorial service

CLOVIS — A New Mexico native who died in a prisoner of war camp in 1942 following the Bataan Death March will be honored in a special memorial service on Tuesday at St. James Episcopal Church in Clovis.

Pastor Alan Brockmeier said the worship service recognizing Rev. Frederick B. “Ted” Howden Jr.’s sacrifice for his country will include Scripture readings “pertaining to his selfless service.”

According to a biography written by the Episcopal Diocese of Rio Grande, Howden was the chaplain to the 200th Coast Artillery when it was sent to the Philippines in Sept. 1941.

Brockmeier said Howden was the pastor at St. Andrews Episcopal Church in Roswell before the war broke out and has been recognized with memorial services there several times, but this will be the first time one has been held in Clovis.

It could become a regular occurrence, as he told The News that the Episcopal Diocese of Rio Grande is considering naming Howden one of its “Holy Men and Holy Women” which have specific days designated each year for remembrance.

“I think its important to show that we care about those folks that were in World War II and the sacrifice that all of them gave for the country,” Brockmeier said

Cannon Air Force Base Chaplain Corps Brad Guillory will give the homily and said he will talk about Howden’s story and tie it to the readings.

Guillory said he was especially moved by the fact that Howden was given the chance to vacate the area prior to the Bataan Death March but chose to stay with his men before later dying of dysentery and starvation.

“I think its important to recognize even years later, just as we do with any of the great war heroes that are well known,” Guillory said. “These are conflicts that are still fresh in our American history and psyche as humans and to commemorate them is important as all levels of service contributed to protecting our freedoms.”

Brockmeier encouraged anyone looking to recognize the sacrifice of veterans of World War II and all wars to attend Tuesday’s service.

“It’s also a way that they can honor those in their family that are veterans, survivors, as well as those family member who gave their life to defend what we stand for,” he said.