Howard was born on July 4, 1938 in Harrogate, Tennessee to Lillie Sutton and Hayes Bryant. He grew up in Monroe Michigan with brothers Jim, Dan, Ford and sister Margie. Following in his brothers’ footsteps he enlisted in the Air Force at the age of 17. While he was stationed at Truax Field, in Madison Wisconsin, he met Barbara Ann Sprague while working at the Strand Theater together. They were married on March 14, 1964 and later had two sons, Travis and Scott. In 1978 Howard retired, with honors having received a Commendation Medal and Meritorious Service Medal, and the family moved to San Mateo, California. In 1979 they moved to Cupertino, California where they live today. Howard liked to be active through running and yard work. In May of 2015 Howard was diagnosed with an aggressive form of brain cancer. He passed away on January 15th, 2017 while at home surrounded by family. Howard is survived by his wife of 52 years Barbara, his sons Travis and Scott, his grandchildren Ariel, Jordyn, Aaron and Jessica, and his great-grandchildren Ashlyn and Noah.