Howard graduated from Bradleyville High School in 1955. Not long after, Howard and a friend moved to Wichita, Kansas, in search of work, where he soon met the woman who would become the love of his life. Howard and Patsy were married on July 26, 1958, at the courthouse in Wichita, beginning a marriage and family that would span more than six decades. Together, Howard and Patsy had three children. Danny, Becky and Terry.
Howard dedicated many years of his life to serving the City of Wichita, eventually retiring as the Street Maintenance Supervisor in 1990.
Howard had many passions throughout his life. He was an avid fisherman, enjoyed building and refurbishing bicycles, and found great joy in writing and playing music with family and friends. Above all, his greatest joy was his family. He cherished raising his two daughters and loved spoiling his grandchildren and great grandchildren. Sundays after church were spent together as a family creating wonderful memories. The love he gave his family through his stories, his music, and humor will live on in our hearts.
Howard was preceded in death by his parents, John and Mary; infant son, Danny; brothers, Lewis and Lawrence Hammons; sisters, Francis Scribner, Lula Hodges, and Cecil Sartin.
Survivors include his loving wife of 68 years, Patsy; daughters, Becky Keeler, Terry and husband, Joe Seitz; sister, Maxine Hodges; grandchildren, Tracy George and wife, Donna Tholen, Scotty Landers Jr., Matthew and wife, Alex Seitz, Keri McGregor, Brian Seitz; great grandchildren, Kelli, Trystan, Noah, Tyler, Micah, Connor, Cohen, Maddox, Kayleanne.
Visitation will be from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, October 7, 2026. Funeral service will be at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, October 8, 2026, both at DeVorss Flanagan-Hunt Mortuary, 201 S. Hydraulic Street, Wichita. Burial will follow at Kechi Cemetery, Park City, Kansas.
Memorial Donations may be made in Howard’s name to Mills Cemetery mailed to Tom Hodges at 289 Maloney Holler Squires, Missouri 65755.