Alton Howard (1925–2006)

He was one of the founders and a longtime elder (1963–2004) of the White's Ferry Road Church of Christ in West Monroe, Louisiana.

He was an entrepreneur who spent his lifetime dedicated to making Northeast Louisiana a place everyone could be proud of. In 1946, he and his brother, W.L Howard founded Howard Bros. Jewelers. In 1959, they founded Howard Bros. Discount Stores and Mid-South Development Co. In 1969, he started Howard Publishing Co. and, along with his son, John, started, Super Saver Wholesale Warehouse Club in 1984.

In addition, in 1967 he blessed thousands of lives by opening Camp Ch-Yo-Ca, a Christian youth camp, which continued until the year 2004. He also developed several subdivisions and owned an insurance company, several restaurants, men's and ladies clothing stores, oil and gas operations, and a music business.

An avid writer and musician, he wrote a number of books and gospel songs that are still sung today and have been recorded by various music artists. The hymnals he compiled have sold over 3 million copies and are the mainstay for many congregations all over the world.

He was instrumental in beginning "World Radio", an international radio ministry which broadcasts the gospel of Jesus in native languages around the world.