MANHATTAN, KANSAS, U.S. — John Edward Howard, former senior program manager and director of Kansas State University’s International Grains Program (IGP), died at his home on May 19.

Howard retired from the IGP in February after a long career that included working as program administrator and program director. He earned his bachelor’s of arts degree in English from Texas A&M University. After graduation, he worked for the Rice Council in Houston, Texas, U.S. He then worked abroad through his positions with the U.S. delegation to the International Grains Council in London and the U.S. Wheat Associates in places such as North Africa, Eastern and Western Europe and Southeast Asia.

“His knowledge of countries around the world allowed him to be an effective communicator with our international visitors at IGP. He understood their language, their customs and the needs of their companies,” said Harvey Kiser, IGP’s agricultural economist emeritus, in an article in the IGP newsletter at the time of Howard’s retirement. “Many times he had a special relationship with IGP short course participants because he had been in their company’s mills and knew their executives.”

Howard is survived by four sons: Jonathan Howard, James Howard, Justin Howard and Jason Howard, all of Victoria, Texas; and one brother, William E. Howard, Jr., of Cuero, Texas.

Memorial contributions are suggested to the donor’s choice, and may be left in care of the Stewart Funeral Home of Wamego, P.O. Box 48, Wamego, Kansas, U.S., 66547.