HOWARD A. BACKHAUS, age 50 years, of North East, Maryland died on Monday, November 9, 2009 at Harford Memorial Hospital in Havre de Grace, Maryland. He was the husband of Cindy Ann (Flasch) Backhaus. They observed their 31st. wedding anniversary on October 7, 2009.

Howard was born in West Bend, Wisconsin on December 4, 1958 the son of Gertrude Hilda (Raether) Backhaus of West Bend and the late Arthur Leonard Backhaus. He served in the U.S. Army for over 17 years, retiring in 1993. His service included two tours of duty in Germany, one tour at Ft. Riley, Kansas and one tour at Ft. Sill, Oklahoma. As a Sgt. 1st. Class, he was sent to Operation Desert Storm as a battalion motor sergeant assigned to the 1st. Armored Division. His task was to maintain and keep operational two dozen Paladin's or 155mm self propelled howitzers as they engaged the enemy. For his service during the Gulf War he was awarded the Bronze Star. Following his retirement he worked as a welder for the former A.O. Smith, now Tower Automotive in Belcamp. In 2006 he began working for the government, initially instrumental in organizing the BRAC movement of the Ordnance School from APG to Ft. Lee, Virginia and most recently as a chemical technician at the Edgewood Chemical and Biological Center at Aberdeen Proving Ground.

In addition to his wife and mother, he is survived by:

Two sons: Joseph H. Backhaus and his wife Becky of Fawn Grove, Pennsylvania

Jessie D. Backhaus of North East, Maryland

One sister: Edith Welch of De Pere, Wisconsin

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, November 14 at 11:00 a.m. at the Harkins Funeral Home, 600 Main Street, Delta, PA.

Reverend Dennis L. McCleary, pastor of the Mt. Nebo and Mt. Olivet United Methodist Churches will officiate.

Entombment with military honors will be in Harford Memorial Gardens, Aberdeen, Maryland.

Viewings will be at the funeral home on Friday, November 13 from 6 to 8 p.m. and on Saturday from 10 to 11 a.m.