Eric "Rick" Bruce Howard

Eric "Rick" Bruce Howard, 55, of Mansfield, Ohio, passed away on Thursday, January 16, 2020, at the OSU Wexner Medical Center. He was born on June 9, 1964, in Mansfield to the late Gordon and Mary (Wagner) Howard.

Rick was very well liked and had a great sense of humor. He would always crack jokes and had the greatest comebacks. He was known to be a tenderhearted, well-mannered gentleman and would give great advice. Rick was a graduate of Lucas High School and had the privilege to play in the Lucas Alumni Basketball Tournaments. He worked in the Information Services Department at OhioHealth Mansfield Hospital where many knew him as a social butterfly. Rick married the love of his life and best friend, Nancy June, on May 31, 2007. They would spend a lot of time together, cherishing every moment. He enjoyed watching horror movies with his son and ghost shows with his daughter. He loved muscle cars, spending time in his man cave, grilling and basketball. He was an avid fan of the Cleveland Cavaliers, sticking with them whether they win or lose. Among the things he loved, he had a special place in his heart for his five yorkies that he adored. He had such a connection with his dogs that people would call him the dog whisperer. Rick enjoyed listening to all kinds of music with heavy metal being his favorite. He liked to read, especially from his huge collection of Sci-Fi books.

Rick is survived by his wife, Nancy Howard; children, Erich "Boy" Howard and Haley Howard; step-children, Robert Hanshaw, Adam Hanshaw, Heath Hanshaw and Heather Hanshaw; grandchildren, Reagan Hanshaw and Lauren Hanshaw along with Lauren's mom, Lexi Akers, who held a special place in Rick's heart; siblings, Gordon "Bud" (Brenda) Howard Jr. and Mike (Rita) Howard; niece, Whitney Zeigler; and nephews, Mark Howard and Brady Howard in whom Rick had a special connection with.

He is preceded in death by his parents and dog, Lily.

The family will receive friends from 3:00 - 6:00 p.m. on Sunday, January 19, 2020, at the Diamond Street Home of Wappner Funeral Directors, 98 South Diamond Street. A service will be held at the funeral home on Monday, January 20, 2020, beginning at 11:00 a.m. with Pastor Matthew Pond officiating. He will be laid to rest in Greenlawn Cemetery in Greenwich, Ohio. Memorial contributions may be made to the Richland County Dog Warden's Office and Shelter.