Richard Hugh Howard

On Friday, September 2, 2022, Richard (Dick) Hugh Howard, devoted husband, father, grandfather, and brother, passed away at the age of 82. He was the second eldest of eight children born to Edwin and Mary (Rus) Howard, on August 12, 1940 in Indianapolis, Indiana.

Dick grew up in the Indianapolis area and graduated from Ben Davis High School in 1958. Three years later he enlisted in the US Marine Corps; receiving the Good Conduct Medal and Expert Rifle Marksmanship Badge. He attained the rank of Corporal (E-4) before his honorable release from active duty in 1966.  He met his future wife Patricia King on the islands of Hawaii and were married in Liberal, KS on September 12, 1964.  After serving his country in the US Marine Corps, Dick played in the New York Mets minor league system from 1965-67. In the 1967 season, Dick was called to the Major League New York Mets spring training as a catcher. After baseball, Dick settled in Kansas where, along with his wife Patty, they began raising their two sons. Dick was passionate in teaching and coaching his love of baseball, football and basketball to his sons. Dick spent decades working in the natural gas energy business. He started with Panhandle Eastern Pipeline in the gas purchase division and ended as Vice President of Purchasing for Access Energy in Houston, TX. He then ventured on his own as founder and president of Secondary Containment Systems before retiring in 2010. As a retiree, he enjoyed working part-time at the Sam Houston Race Park as a mutuel clerk.

Dick was strong in his faith being a member of Queen of the Holy Rosary Catholic Church, Overland Park, KS; Parish Council President for several years; member of St. Matthew The Evangelist Catholic Church, Houston, TX; Knights of Columbus, St. Matthew Council 7136, Houston, TX serving as Grand Knight for two years and Festival Chairman for several years. Dick also attended Mass at St. Maximilian Kolbe Catholic Church, Houston, TX in his last few years.

Left to cherish his memories his loving wife of 58 years Patricia, son Christopher and wife Eyvonne (McCarty) of Milton, PA; son Matthew of Hughesville, PA; grandchildren Alec Howard, Cynthia Howard, Sofie Howard, Hutton Howard, Trevor Fitzwater, Jillian Fitzwater; siblings Raymond Howard (IN), Linda (Howard) Welch (IN), David Howard (AZ), Becky (Howard) Nangle (MS), Cindy (Howard) Shaw (IN), Mark Howard (TX), and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, and sister Susan Howard.

He is gone but never forgotten, leaving his loving memories in our hearts forever. Semper Fi.

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