Mr. Howard served as mayor of Monroe from 1956-1972 and from 1976-1978. During his tenure, he oversaw the construction of major landmarks like the Monroe Civic Center complex, city hall and the Louisiana Purchase Gardens & Zoo. He was a U.S. Navy veteran of WWII. He was state president and national vice president of the Jaycees. He was co-founder of Howard Bros. Jewelers. He and his brother Alton opened the first Gibson franchise which later became the Howard Brothers Discount Store Chain which operated in 13 states as well as Super Saver Wholesale Warehouse Club. He was a member, elder, song leader and Sunday School teacher at the Forsythe Avenue Church of Christ in Monroe. He also had served as chairman of the board of Harding University and was instrumental in developing Ouachita Christian School in Monroe.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Hardy Howard; two brothers and two sisters.
He was survived by his wife of 66 years, LaRue Howard; two sons, Gene Howard and Robert J. Howard and wife Mancy; one daughter, Judy Howell and husband Ronny; one brother, Alton Howard of West Monroe; 10 grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren, several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Hardy Howard; two brothers and two sisters.
He was survived by his wife of 66 years, LaRue Howard; two sons, Gene Howard and Robert J. Howard and wife Mancy; one daughter, Judy Howell and husband Ronny; one brother, Alton Howard of West Monroe; 10 grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren, several nieces and nephews.
Mr. Howard served as mayor of Monroe from 1956-1972 and from 1976-1978. During his tenure, he oversaw the construction of major landmarks like the Monroe Civic Center complex, city hall and the Louisiana Purchase Gardens & Zoo. He was a U.S. Navy veteran of WWII. He was state president and national vice president of the Jaycees. He was co-founder of Howard Bros. Jewelers. He and his brother Alton opened the first Gibson franchise which later became the Howard Brothers Discount Store Chain which operated in 13 states as well as Super Saver Wholesale Warehouse Club. He was a member, elder, song leader and Sunday School teacher at the Forsythe Avenue Church of Christ in Monroe. He also had served as chairman of the board of Harding University and was instrumental in developing Ouachita Christian School in Monroe.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Hardy Howard; two brothers and two sisters.
He was survived by his wife of 66 years, LaRue Howard; two sons, Gene Howard and Robert J. Howard and wife Mancy; one daughter, Judy Howell and husband Ronny; one brother, Alton Howard of West Monroe; 10 grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren, several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Hardy Howard; two brothers and two sisters.
He was survived by his wife of 66 years, LaRue Howard; two sons, Gene Howard and Robert J. Howard and wife Mancy; one daughter, Judy Howell and husband Ronny; one brother, Alton Howard of West Monroe; 10 grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren, several nieces and nephews.
