He was born in Harrisonburg on October 23, 1948, a son of the late Edward Leo and Hazel F. (Shifflett) Estes.
Howard was a member of Forest Chapel Church of the Brethren and retired after 33 years of service from the Waynesboro DuPont Company. In his spare time he enjoyed hunting, fishing, working in his garden, golfing, carving wooden birds and spending time with his hunting buddies.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Helen Via and her husband, H. Lee Via.
Survivors include his loving wife, Kathy (Ralston) Estes; sons, Scott Estes and wife, Larissa of Richmond, Darren Estes and wife, Cassie of Waynesboro; brother, Alan Estes and his wife, Lucy of Crimora; and three grandchildren, Trent Estes, Tye Estes and Breigh Estes.
Following cremation, a memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 12, 2023 at Forest Chapel Church of the Brethren with Pastor David Stewart and Pastor Mike Wells officiating. A meal will be provided following the service in the church fellowship hall. All are welcome.
There will be no visitation at the funeral home.
The Waynesboro Chapel of Reynolds Hamrick Funeral Homes has been entrusted with arrangements.
Memorial contributions may be made Forest Chapel Church of the Brethren, 36 Crimora Mine Rd., Crimora, Va. 24431, or, Hospice of the Piedmont, c/o Development Department, 675 Peter Jefferson Parkway, Suite 300 Charlottesville, Va. 22911.