Howard was born on December 14, 1950, in Flint, Michigan to Howard, Sr. and Geraldine (Dixon) Perkins. He graduated from Central High School in Davenport in 1969. Following high school, Howard attended Arizona State University and DePaul University in Chicago, IL. He studied chemistry at City College of Chicago. Howard also attended Augustana College in Rock Island, IL where he was named to the Dean's List. Howard was also an avid learner who loved to read.
Howard began his career at International Harvester in Rock Island before moving to Chicago. In the Chicago area he worked for Litton Precision Gear as Superintendent of Heat Treat and Electroplating, Derlan Aerospace Group as Superintendent, Boeing/North Star Aerospace as Plant Superintendent and later in management at Pepsi Cola Company before he retired in 2018.
Howard was a passionate golfer and participated in a golf league for over 40 years where he traveled all over the United States to attend golf tournaments. When he couldn't play golf, he was bowling and was a member of a bowling league. He also loved bicycling long distances, especially along Lake Shore Drive in Chicago.
Howard leaves behind his sisters Sandra (Clarence) Mason, Sybil (Geanteary) Luster and Charlene Perkins. He also leaves his nephews/niece, Michael Mason, Patrick Mason, Pamela Mason Hrudka, Leah Mason, Timothy Perkins, Christopher Perkins and a host of aunts, uncles and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents and his niece Brittany Mason.
Homegoing services to honor his memory will be held on Friday, March 7, 2025, at 11:00 am at Weerts Funeral Home in Davenport, Iowa. Visitation will be at 10:00 am. Burial will be at Pine Hill Cemetery following the service. Memorials may be made to the American Heart Association in Howard's name.
