Brian Howard

Brian Lee Howard, 30, of Mansfield, died Friday, January 27, 2006 at MedCentral Mansfield Hospital. Born March 11, 1975 in Mansfield, the son of Bill and Barbara Sparks Howard and has resided in Mansfield his entire life. He was a 1993 graduate of Madison High School and had been a Madison Soccer Club Coach. Brian enjoyed rock climbing and hiking through Mohican. He was an avid runner and loved his family and friends and military comrades. He was a veteran of the United States Army where he served for three years and was also active in the Army National Guard for eight years. Brian was a full time student at Ohio State University.

Surviving are a daughter, Jessica Howard of Mansfield; his parents, William and Barbara Howard of Mansfield; a brother, Brad Howard of Mansfield; a niece, Dakotah Howard of Mansfield; his fiancée, Renee Bucher and her daughter Aleesha of Mansfield; paternal uncles, Miles and Shirley Howard of Florida, Paul Howard of Mansfield; paternal aunts, Janet and Charles Lindenau of New London; maternal uncles, Jim and Pam Sparks of Mansfield; maternal aunts, Bonnie and Terry Smith of Mansfield, Terry and Dave Miller of Mansfield, Donna Sparks of Bellville and Connie Sparks of Mansfield; a great uncle, Virgil Ward; many cousins and other relatives; special friends, John Hicks, Joe Beugley, Barry Beugley and many friends from the 372nd Army National Guard. Brian was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Miles and Cynthia Howard and his maternal grandparents, Raymond and Verna Sparks; uncles, John, Bobbie and Michael Sparks; and great aunt and uncle, Earl and Helen Adkins.

Friends may call Tuesday, January 31, 2006 from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. at the Diamond Street Home of Wappner Funeral Directors. Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m. Wednesday, February 1, 2006 at the funeral home with Pastor Dan Ward officiating. Burial will be in Mansfield Cemetery.