Robert Marquis Howard, Sr.

Robert Marquis Howard, age 72, passed away peacefully on December 3, 2023 at his home in Bentonville, Arkansas, holding hands with his beloved wife of 43 years, JaneAnn. Born on October 9, 1951 in Hollywood, California, the youngest of three children, to the late Patrick Marquis Howard and Mildred Florence Allen, he grew up and lived most of his life in Los Angeles. He is predeceased by his sister, Pam Moses and her husband, Harry Moses, and survived by his sister, Paulette Toumazos and her partner, Michael Lorenz. Robert – known by his friends as Bob and by his grandkids as Bobbo – brought levity and good cheer to all who knew him. Bob had a dynamic personality, a winning smile, and a quick wit that imparted the gift of laughter to those around him. During his career as an advertising salesman, Bob cultivated a close-knit group of colleagues, many of whom became his lifelong friends. Gregarious, generous and hospitable by nature, Bob loved spending time with and caring for his family and friends, whether hosting one of his legendary parties, or gathering in smaller and more intimate groups at friends’ homes or in his backyard. Bob’s favorite pastimes included boating, enjoying a good cigar, watching football, playing chess, sharing jokes and eating delicious meals. Over the course of his life, Bob came to have a personal relationship with Jesus, as his Lord and savior; the family finds solace in the peace of knowing Bob is now healthy and whole in heaven. He is survived by his loving children and grandchildren, whom he loved devotedly and considered as his legacy in this life: his son, Patrick, and daughter-in-law, Katie with their son, Noah; his son RJ, and daughter-in-law, Melanie with their children: Jackson, Callahan, and Lexi; and his daughter, Alycia and son-in-law, Hayden. Bob’s true pride and joy was his wife, JaneAnn. From the moment they met on a blind date, Bob loved JaneAnn with every ounce of his being. A few months later, Bob proposed, and the couple was married at the Bel Air Hotel on December 6, 1980. Recalling to mind the sweet season of their engagement, they danced to A Summer Place, which became a theme song for their married life. After RJ was born, the family lived for a time on a boat named Summer Place, making frequent visits to Catalina Island.

The familiar words of the song bring comfort even now: Your arms reach out to me, And my heart is free from all care, For it knows, There are no gloomy skies, When seen through the eyes, Of those who are blessed with love.

In lieu of flowers or gifts, the family has set up The Summer Place Fund for JaneAnn, and is happy to share details upon request. All are welcome to celebrate his life on Saturday, April 13, 2024 at 10am in Shadow Valley Country Club, 7001 W. Shadow Valley Rd, Rogers.