Mr. Lyle Joseph Howard III

Lyle Joseph Howard, III is known to his friends and family as charming, energetic, friendly, enthusiastic and, at times, gregarious, but his compassionate and gentle-warmhearted nature would always shine through his personality.

Lyle’s parents, Gretchen and Lyle Howard Jr. and his stepfather, Bernard Williams raised him to be straightforward and honest. He is described as a perceptive and active child with a positive disposition -- loved by all. Lyle demonstrated strong, positive qualities and exuded confidence -- he was imaginative and clever. Lyle carried these traits into his adult life and served as one of many reasons why family and friends found him delightful to be around. Lyle was a person who understood and cared about others. He easily connected and related to others and made friends quickly regardless of age or background.

Lyle and his only sibling, big sister, Erin Pazon, were very close and participated in family and church activities together. He sang in the church choir and would volunteer to help those less fortunate during the holidays. His favorite times were enjoying lunch with family after Sunday services.

Lyle's memorable childhood achievements include proudly earning multiple Boy Scout Badges. Lyle also played on the neighborhood baseball team and loved to help his Dad Bernard work on cars – they would spend hours under the hood of a car. These are moments Lyle remembered and cherished. However, to Lyle the most fun was simply playing and spending time with his many friends and family.

Lyle was born in New Orleans, Louisiana and called it his true home. He often spoke of the delicious creole foods he loved and the amazing culture of his beloved home. He moved away in 2001 and began high school in in Foley, Alabama. There he joined the ROTC and completed with the program honors. In 2004 Lyle left Foley for California and joined the California Conservation Corps program where he met his future wife. On November 8, 2008, Lyle married Alyssa Renee Martinez at the San Diego Church of Christ. Lyle worked hard to make his new union happy. He generously gave his time and love to his wife. This meant that Alyssa came first. His empathic personality allowed him to consider Alyssa’s feelings above all. He trusted his emotions and did his best to make sure that his marriage and home life were happy.

Lyle’s caring and tolerant personality translated into being a good father to his only daughter Leilani Emily Howard born in 2009. Lyle cared deeply for his baby girl. He was a good father and made sure Leilani was well care for. Leilani adored her dad, and he was completely and totally devoted to her. He enjoyed playing with her, drawing and teaching her life skills. He would delight in Leilani’s tiniest accomplishments,

Lyle joined the US ARMY in 2008 in Fort Benning, Georgia and quickly earned the rank of E-4. Lyle made the effort to understand what was needed at work and was well known by his colleagues as a team player and a good soldier. Lyle took pride in managing his professional responsibilities and seemed to always know what was needed to successfully complete a project. Lyle took the initiative and his skills at working cooperatively were highly valued by his fellow soldiers.

Throughout his life Lyle Joseph Howard, III gave of himself to others. He cared and loved deeply. He could be a good son, brother, friend -- Lyle leaves behind a legacy of life-long friendships and cherished memories. The lives he touched will remember him as a dear soul taken too early.

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