ALEXANDRIA, IN – Richard “Richie” Howard, 76, passed away peacefully on July 19, 2023, at Marion General Hospital, Marion after an extended illness. He was a beloved husband, a great father, and a fantastic papaw.
Richie was born January 27, 1947, to Raymond and Vivian (Hay) Howard in Alexandria. He was a 1965 graduate of Alexandria-Monroe High School. Upon graduation, Richie joined the Air Force and served in the Vietnam War. After returning from the military, he worked for the Alexandria Fire Department and Johns Manville. Richie completed his electrician apprenticeship, and worked for Delco Remy, retiring after 31 years. Richie and Rebecca, his wife of 48 years, were lifelong residents of Alexandria. Their family farm was important to Richie, where he instilled his love of animals in Sarah and Levi. Richie could often be found holding down a stool at Alexandria Feed and Supply, which he owned from 1999-2012. The friendships built and the memories made at the feed store will forever be held close by the Howard Family and “Feed Store Gang.”
Surviving family includes Wife, Rebecca (Ellis) Howard whom he married on October 26, 1974, Children, Sarah (Bryan) Madden of Frankton and Levi (Mindy Moorman) Howard of Virginia. Grandchildren: Quytin (Kelly) Lewis of Texas, Kaleb Lewis of Indianapolis, Cameron (Megan) Lewis of Pendleton, Truman Madden, Jackson Madden, Roxanne Madden all of Minnesota, Allison Howard of Germany, Layla Madden, and Maggie Howard. Sisters: Joan Howard and Debbie Dickerson all of Alexandria, Special Family Members: Jerry Bogue (brother-in-law), Amy Howard, and several brothers and sisters-in-law, nieces, and nephews.
He was preceded in death by: Raymond and Vivian Howard (parents), Darlene Foster and Carolyn Bogue (sisters), Chester and Anna Mae Ellis (father/mother-in-law), Herbert Ellis and Charlie Foster (brothers-in-law).
Services honoring Richie’s life and legacy will take place at 11 am on Tuesday, July 25, 2023, in the Lutheran Church of Our Blessed Savior, 309 West Washington Street, Alexandria with Pastor Kal Rissman officiating. Interment with military honors will follow in Park View Cemetery in Alexandria. The Howard family will receive friends on Monday, July 24, 2023, from 4 pm to 7 pm in the Owens Funeral Home, 412 North Harrison Street, Alexandria or at the Lutheran Church of Our Blessed Savior after 10 am on Tuesday prior to the service.
Memorial contributions are suggested to the Lutheran Church of Our Blessed Savior with envelopes available at the funeral home or the church.
