David Francis Howard

David Francis Howard, 72, resided in Henderson, Nevada and passed away at his home on Sunday, March 22, 2026. Francis lived a life rooted in faith, love, and quiet devotion to the people and callings that mattered most to him.

From an early age, Francis was an avid reader, but more than anything, he loved God’s Word. He didn’t just study it—he lived it, and he shared it. Teaching others brought him great joy and reflected the servant’s heart that stayed with him throughout his life.

Francis was born on September 26, 1953, in Clovis, New Mexico, to Duane and Mary Jane Howard. He grew up there with his younger brother and sister Kenneth and Deborah and was preceded in death by his parents and both siblings. Francis later attended the University of Puget Sound, where he earned his degree in accounting. He later continued his education, earning a Master’s Degree in Taxation from Golden Gate University in San Francisco and a Master of Divinity through Golden State Baptist Theological Seminary, furthering his studies in preaching in both Tennessee and Florida. He also served his country in the United States Army, spending three years stationed at Fort Carson, Colorado in the early 1970s.

Francis built a successful career as a CPA, eventually partnering with Roy Ovist. Together they purchased a practice in Las Vegas, later known as Ovist & Howard, CPAs. He served as principal partner until 2018 and continued his work in tax preparation until the time of his passing. Yet even in his professional life, it was clear that his greatest calling was his faith and his ministry.

In the early 2000s, Francis answered that calling when he became pastor of First Baptist Church in Henderson. From that beginning, CrossWord Baptist Church of Henderson was established and grew under his leadership. He faithfully pastored there until 2017, when health challenges led him to step down. Even then, his commitment never wavered—he continued leading weekly Bible studies, teaching, encouraging, and caring for others throughout the remainder of his life.

At the center of everything Francis did was his family. He was a devoted husband to his beloved wife, Beverly, whom he married in 1972. He loved her deeply and faithfully throughout their life together. He was so proud of his sons, Jeremy and Shelby, and cherished the families they built. He loved his daughters-in-law, Beth and Emily, and he truly loved being a grandfather to his sixteen grandchildren- Jeremy and Beth’s twelve children: Matthew and wife Caitlyn, Preston and wife Nicole, Laney, Autum, Mason, Samson, Jemma, Darryl, Josephine, Jackson, Marley, and Elijah; along with Shelby and Emily’s four children: Lily Grace, Isabella, Asher, and Emma Jane; and one great grandchild, Harmony; along with three nephews, Nathan, Ricky, and Ty.

Time with his grandchildren meant everything to him—not just being with them, but teaching them, guiding them, and investing in their lives. Those moments were among his greatest joys.

Francis also found joy in the simple, meaningful parts of life. He loved growing flowers—especially roses. In later years, he discovered a passion for quilting. What began as a way to finish Beverly’s quilts became something he truly loved. He became incredibly skilled and used that gift to bless others, including creating quilts for Quilts of Valor recipients.

He loved music. As a child, he played the organ and accordion, and throughout his life, he loved to sing. Music was a constant companion, often filling his days with songs of faith, and one of his dreams was to sing in a choir with both of his sons.

He also loved to travel—visiting places like Israel, Greece, and throughout Europe—especially enjoying cathedrals and gardens. And closer to home, he made many meaningful memories traveling with his family, exploring places like White Sands, Carlsbad Caverns, Yellowstone, and the Petrified Forest. He shared a special trip with Shelby to Zion, where they hiked the Narrows together—one of those moments of adventure and connection that stayed with him. He also treasured time spent with his sons at sporting events—baseball, football, and basketball—simple moments that became lasting memories. He had a passion for running as well, completing five marathons throughout his life.

And then there were the small, everyday moments he loved—baking chocolate chip cookies, enjoying peanuts and Mexican food, and quiet mornings with a cup of coffee. It’s easy to picture him sitting in his recliner, gently rocking with Abby, their beloved Chihuahua, right by his side—a simple, peaceful image that reflects who he was.

Francis lived a life of faith, humility, generosity, and love. He showed us how to serve others, how to stay grounded in what matters most, and how to love your family well.

He will be deeply missed. But we take comfort in knowing that his faith has now become sight, and that he is at peace in the presence of the Lord he loved and served so faithfully.

Private services will be held.