Howard Lee Bullman

Commander Howard Lee Bullman, 94, of Starkville Mississippi passed away at the State Veteran Home in Kosciusko Mississippi Sunday, July 19, 2026. He was born in St. Louis, Missouri in 1932 to Delmar Gale Bullman and Catherine Gale Tompkins Bullman.

A 1950 graduate from Rolla High School, Howard continued his education at University of Missouri, School of Mines & Metallurgy, Rolla majoring in Mechanical Engineering. He was a member of Sigma Nu Fraternity and quarterback of the college football team, the Missouri Miners, playing under his dad, Coach Gale Bullman, before leaving college and joining the military in 1953. Howard completed his BA degree from the US Naval Post Graduate School in Monterey, CA while serving his country.
A proud veteran, Howard served 22 years of service in the United States Navy. Howard was commissioned Ensign and received his aviator wings in Jacksonville, Fl in 1954. He was Commanding Officer VA-43 at the NAS Oceana, VA., Executive Officer at NAS Meridian, MS where he also attained the Rank of Commander before retiring in 1975. Most notable during his Naval career, he served as a pilot in Vietnam with 46 combat flights, was the Air-Ops Officer on the USS Saratoga, flew a total of 4,449 flight hours, 3,495 of those jet hours (F-8, F-9 and T33), made 275 carrier landings, received 4 Air Medals, Meritorious Service Medal, 2 Navy Commendation Medals and ribbons recognizing various campaigns of the United States of America.
Upon his retirement from the Navy in 1975 Howard began his second career working with United Way of Meridian, MS. During his 20-year career Howard held positions of Campaign Director in both Jackson, MS and in Tulsa, OK., and Executive Director in Meridian MS. He was the Executive Director of the United Way of Jackson, MS until retiring for a second time in 1995. During his 20 years of service with United Way he helped raise over $65,000,000 for charity in two cities and was a member of Rotary Club for over 20 years.
Howard met the love of his life Rachel Henderson Bullman on a blind date while stationed in Jacksonville, Fl in 1954. The two were married in Rolla, Missouri on April 28, 1956. The couple moved from Coast to Coast with Howards Naval Career during their marriage. While working with the United Way in Jackson they built a house on the reservoir in Brandon, MS. In 1999, they sold their house, stored everything, bought a Motor Home, and visited 46 states enjoying the "trip" of over 30,000 miles until they purchased a home in Niceville, Florida where they lived until 2005 when they moved to Starkville, MS.
Howard was preceded in death by his Wife, Rachel Henderson Bullman; Son, Craig Lee Bullman (Joyce); Father and Mother, Delmar Gale Bullman and Catherine Gale Tompkins Bullman; two sisters, Storm Bullman Campbell, Catherine (Cay) Bullman Rucker, and a brother George (Tom) Thomas Bullman (Sharon).
Survivors include son, Mark Henderson Bullman (LaDonna Bullman) Starkville, MS; son, Paul Delmar Bullman (Sean Bullman) Houma, LA; Daughter-In-Law Joyce Bullman (Craig) Brandon, MS; sister-in-law Sharon Bullman (Tom) Annapolis, MD; grandchildren, Mark, Jr. and Katie (Mark); Cody and Chase (Craig); Blythe, Tabitha and Chelsea (Paul); 10 great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

Funeral Services will be held on Saturday, August 1, 2026, at the Episcopal Church of the Resurrection in Starkville, MS. Visitation will be at 10:00am preceding the service. Inurnment with Military Honors will follow the service at the Church of the Resurrection's columbarium.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the United Way of Mississippi, or to the Wounded Warrior Project.
You can leave the family a condolence to: www.welchfuneralhomes.com.