TRYON, NC – Howard Earl Simonet, 80, of Tryon, NC passed away Thursday evening, May 24, 2012 in White Oak Manor, Tryon, NC following a brief illness.

Born in Philadelphia, PA, he was a veteran of Korean Conflict having served in the U.S. Army. Mr. Simonet moved to Tryon in 1993. He worked for the ABC Store in Columbus for 19 years. He is preceded in death by his companion of 22 years, Verena Mulderig who died in 2009.

Surviving is his extended family, James J. Mulderig, Jr. (Dawn) (Conner) of Columbus and Meredith Kebaili of Miami, FL.

Private services will be held at a later date.

Memorials may be made to Thermal Belt Outreach, P.O. Box 834, Columbus, NC 28722.