In the song of life, Fred Lee Howard was surely the composer. A very observant man who would rather spend his time creating than talking, Fred preferred to live in a world of harmony where everything around him made sense. In fact, he depended on his sensory world to provide him with concrete data. A free spirit, Fred believed that actions definitely spoke for themselves. He seemed to know what fit and what didn’t fit in everything he did. Fred perceived that all of life’s possibilities were open to him, yet he lived with a definite sense of purpose. He was a man who was always ready to share his creations with those around him.

Fred was born on November 29, 1958 at Research and Educational Hospital in Chicago, IL. His parents were Dorothy Dunmore and Fred Howard. Fred was raised in Las Vegas, NV, by his mother and stepfather, Robert Childs, who raised him as if he was his own son. As a young child, Fred was optimistic in his outlook. He sought out the possibilities in a given situation and looked for ways to apply his creative energies. Fred rarely calling attention to himself, but when he did speak out, his message was clearly understood by those around him.

Early on in his family relationships, Fred showed that he was a tolerant and flexible person, and he got along fairly well with everyone. He had 2 older sisters, Cynthia and Sylvia Childs, 2 younger brothers, Frederick and Pierre Howard and one younger sister Demetria. He was a calm and playful child who was adaptable to any situation.

As he was growing up, Fred developed into a person who enjoyed physically doing things, Growing up, Fred liked playing basketball, playing bass guitar and practicing martial arts, and spending time with friends.

He initially attended Rancho High School and graduated in 1976 from Eldorado High School. He enjoyed music and physical education classes more than the other courses.

Those who didn’t know Fred well might not view him as being an outgoing person, those who called him their friend knew differently. Fred was shy and sensitive, a person who never forced his opinions and values on others. Close friends knew that his kindness was unmatched, and once you became a friend of Fred’s, you understood how true a friend he could be. While growing up, some of his best friends were Liborio Borner, Reginald Glass and Willie (Willbo) Jones.

A person who was sensitive to others’ feelings, modest and tolerant, Fred had the ability to become completely devoted to another when that affection was returned. On March 30, 1991, Fred exchanged wedding vows with his life partner Judy A Baker at the Little Church of the West of Las Vegas, NV.

Fred was exceptionally sympathetic and compassionate when it came to his children. These emotional bonds made him as much a playmate as a parent. He gave his family unconditional love and kindness, sharing his artistic nature by turning everyday events into creative play. Fred was blessed with 2 children and 2 step-children, Son, Robert, daughters Sharonda, Natika and Cynthia. He was also blessed with 10 grandchildren, Robert, Darian, Meleah, Braylon, Carla, Crista, Adrian, Kaelin, Dziiur (Desire) and Jonathan.

Fred found ways to enjoy what he did for a living. He worked hard and did his best to succeed every day. His primary occupation was appliance delivery and installation. He was employed for 12 years at ECON, 13 years at Penske and 5 years at J. B Hunt. Fred tended to be a team player, doing what was necessary in order to get the job done without imposing his will on others.

Fred enjoyed his leisure time by taking part in various hobbies. His favorite pursuits were playing bass guitar, riding motorcycles, martial arts and watching movies. Fred was content to enjoy his hobbies alone but was also willing to share his interests with others. He was relaxed in his approach to his leisure time because he wanted to savor the present moment.

Fred liked sports and enjoyed following his favorite events whenever he got the opportunity. Tops on his list were UFC, MMA, football and basketball.

Fred was a lover of animals and cherished his pets. One of Fred’s favorites was King, a German shepherd, Dobie, a Doberman pinscher and Cayenne, a Pit bull. They were best friends; King, for 10 years, Dobie for 5 years and Cayenne for 5 years.

Fred passed away on July 29, 2015, peacefully in the arms of his beloved wife in his North Las Vegas home. He is survived by his wife, Judy, his children, Robert Howard, Sharonda Howard, Natika Bird and Cynthia Jamerson, grandchildren, Robert, Darian, Maleah, Braylon, Adrian, Kaelin, Dziiur and Crista, his sisters Cynthia Childs, Demetria Dumas, brother Pierre Howard and very special niece Patricia Childs.

Services were held at Palm Mortuary-Downtown, 1325 North Main Street,Las Vegas, NV 89101, on Saturday, August 8, 2015 from 11:00 AM - 01:00 PM

Fred was a good man, a kind man, and a practical man, who will for all time be remembered by his family and friends as being warm and deeply caring. He leaves behind him a treasury of life-long friendships and wonderful memories. Fred always had much to give and was able to make those connections in his life where his gifts were appreciated. Fred was a faithful, practical and loving person. Everyone whose life he touched will always remember Fred Lee Howard.

From Order of Service 8.8.2015