Bobby Dean “Bob” Howard was born December 15, 1935, in Mill Creek, to the late Benjamine L. and Edith (Miller) Howard. He died on Monday, Sept. 23, 2024, in Sulphur at the age of 88 years, 9 months and 18 days. Bob and Barbara Ruth Nelson were married on July 31, 1959, in Sulphur. She preceded him in death on December 23, 2021.
Bob grew up in Mill Creek. After graduating from Mill Creek High School, he joined the Army National Guard, prior to being drafted into the United States Army. After receiving an honorable discharge from the Army, he then transferred to the Army Reserves, and returned home to Sulphur, where his wife and son were awaiting him. Bob spent several years working for Nelson Construction, which was owned by his father-in-law, Leonard Nelson. After Leonard retired and closed his construction business, Bob then spent several years working for Forson Plumbing and later Haliburton in Davis. His final years of employment were with the National Park Service in Sulphur.
In younger years, Bob enjoyed working on his trucks and riding horses, which he later traded motor cycles. He also enjoyed daily visits to area coffee shops where he could catch up on all the latest news.
Survivors include his three sons, Kenny Howard and wife Shawn of Ada, Robbie Howard and wife Michelle of Sulphur, and Marlon Howard and wife Lacrinda, also of Sulphur; eight grandchildren, Hialee Mayhue and husband Conner, Dackry Howard and Lacey, B.J. Howard and wife Lindsey, Randi Wilkins, Dylon Howard and Kimber, Bryson Howard and Brittney, Whitney Blevins and Tyson, and Taylor Beatley and Coby; as well as 14 great-grandchildren, Hudson Howard, Bella Wilkins, Grayson Howard, Brandt Beatley, Callum Howard, Newt Wilkins, Hannah Howard, Murphi Howard, Hope Howard, Mayzee Howard, Violet Howard, Jackson Howard, Libby Blevins, and Brock Beatley.
In addition to his parents and wife, Bob was preceded in death by one brother, Billy Franklin Howard.
Funeral services will be held 2:00 p.m., Friday, Sep. 28, 2024, at the Midway Hill Baptist Church, with Pastor Willard McCartney, Jr., officiating. Interment will follow at the Oaklawn Cemetery in Sulphur. The family will receive friends from 6-7:00 p.m., Thursday, Sept. 27, at the funeral home.
Services are entrusted to Hale’s Funeral Home of Sulphur. Online condolences may be offered at halesfuneralhomes.com.
