Ernest M. Howard 85 of Ashland passed away March 13th in Framingham after a period of declining health. He was the husband of the late Hildegard (Muller) Howard who died in 1994. Born in Framingham he had lived in Ashland over 30 years. He was a retired veteran of WWII, the Korean Conflict, and the Vietnam War: serving his country with the United States Army. He was a member of the Veteran's of Foreign Wars and the American Legion Post both in Ashland. He is survived by one brother: Thomas and his wife Patricia Howard of Belleview,Fla. Several nieces and nephews. A funeral Mass will be said on Tuesday morning in St. Cecilia's Church in Ashland with burial to follow in Wildwood Cemetery in Ashland. Calling hours will be held on Monday evening in the Matarese Funeral Home 325 Main St. Ashland from 5-7pm.