Michael Howard Sr.

Michael Howard Sr., age 74, of Springfield, OH, was born June 12, 1950, the son of Esther (Cooper) and Donald E. Howard Sr.

Michael attended South High School. He was one of the black students chosen, in a movement by Bishop Pratt, to get more young blacks a job at International Harvester. When he was laid off from his job there, he volunteered to go in the Marine Corps during the Vietnam War. Later he relocated to Atlanta, Georgia and was a supervisor in a construction business. He brought three of his brothers and son down and obtained them jobs. Being the oldest, he loved his brothers and sisters. After he returned to Springfield, Michael contributed his skills and passion to the manufacturing industry working for several companies, Rawack, Fuel Systems, and finally as a lead worker at American Pan from where he retired. He worshiped at Greater Grace Temple.

In his leisure time, Michael loved old war movies and knew them line by line. He loved football and coached for many years, his 3 sons included, and started on his grandsons. He had a passion for music. His favorite gospel song was "Something About The Name Jesus" by Rance Allen Group and his favorite R & B song was "People Make The World Go Round" by the Stylistics.

On Sunday, December 29, 2024, Michael went home to be with the Lord. He was preceded in death by both his parents, 6 brothers Kenny Ray, Philip, Donald Jr., Daryl, Steven Lee, and Wayne Anthony Howard, 3 sisters Tammy R. Furr, Kimberly Howard, Tina R. Storey, father and mother-in-law Nathan and Mary Harris Sr, brothers-in-law John, Nathan Jr. and Adriel Harris, special friends Mike Harris and Ernie Crawford.

Michael Andrew Howard Sr. leaves behind a legacy of love, strength, and resilience that will be cherished by his wife of 50 years, Iris (Harris) Howard; daughters, Alisha (Marvin) of Cincinnati, Myra Howard, and Jasmine (Shawn) Thompson of Springfield; sons, Michael Howard Jr. of Arizona, Brian (Keysha) Howard of Texas, Daryl Howard of Springfield; brothers, Mark (Nancy), Arnold (AnnMarie) of Springfield, Brian (Michelle) Howard of Dayton; sisters, Roxanne Howard of Arizona and Mia (Steve) Davenport of Springfield; sisters-in-law, Gloria Davis, Julia Harris, and Charmaine Howard of Springfield, Rasiland (Harry) Satentein of Pennsylvania; brothers-in-law, Paul Storey, David and Donald Lynne of Michigan; special friend, Robert Wells; 21 grandchildren, 15 great grandchildren and a host of nieces and nephews.

As we gather to remember and celebrate his life, find solace in the stories, laughter, and love he bestowed upon us. He will be deeply missed, but his spirit will forever live on in our hearts.