Jesse Howard Van Zant

J. Howard Van Zant, 98, passed away peacefully Thursday, Nov. 22nd at his home at Hickory Valley Retirement Center. He was born Dec.6, 1919 and was a lifelong Chattanoogan.

He proudly volunteered for service in WWII and participated in the Normandy D-Day invasion on Omaha beach as part of Company D, 115th Regiment, 29th Infantry Division, US Army. He continued service in Northern France, Rhineland, and Central Europe. Citations received include, Presidential Unit Citation, EAME Ribbon w/4 Bronze Stars, and Bronze Arrow Head, Battalion Croix De Guerre with a silver star, and the Medal of Jubilee, from France.

Howard, was a dedicated member of First Christian Church since 1945, an Elder Emeritus, serving in many capacities including Chairman of the Elders & Worship Committees, and President of the KEY Class.   

He was a graduate of City High School, class of 1938, where he was a star athlete and excelled in basketball, as an All City player. After graduation from MacKenzie Business College, he was employed by The Provident (UNUM). After the war, he became a career sales professional, until retiring at age 86 from the printing and paper industry.

He was predeceased by his beloved wife of 59 years, Martha Willrich Van Zant. He is survived by his daughter, Gail Rich, and son in law William Rich, along with several cousins.

Services will be held Tuesday, Nov. 27th at First Christian Church, 650 McCallie, Ave. Chattanooga. Tn., performed by Reverend Brandon Gilvin, Senior Minister, the Reverends Phil Summerlin and Jonathan Hyde. Visitation begins at 12:00pm at the church with service at 1:00pm. Gravesite services at National Cemetery at 2:30pm.

The family wishes to give a special thank you for all the respect, love, and care

Howard received from HVRC and Kindred Hospice.

Memorials in lieu of flowers may be made to First Christian Church, Kindred Hospice, or any Veteran’s organization of choice.

Arrangements by the South Crest Chapel of Lane Funeral Home and Crematory, at the end of historic Missionary Ridge, Rossville.