Pastor Robertl. Howard

Pastor Robert L. Howard, age 81, of Englewood, went home to be with the Lord on Thursday, February 8, 2024. Robert was born in Laing, West Virginia on March 24, 1942 to the late James C. Howard, Sr. & Mildred J. Howard.

In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his son, Marcus A. Howard; brother, James "Sonny" Howard; and sisters, Dora Tellis, Maxine Franklin and Ramona Hunter.

Robert is survived by his loving wife of 56 years, Jacqueline "Jackie" Howard; daughters, Victoria (Marquis) Napier, LaToya Tellis, Samantha Tellis and Patricia (Allen) Moore; grandchildren, Jayla, Patrick, Eeston, Irelyn, Arianna, Johniah, Jamison, Christopher, Ri-Chala, Symphony, Jaide and Phoenix; great-granddaughter, Rumani; siblings, Charles Howard, Sr., Patricia Howard, Gary (Deborah) Howard, Kay (Sidney) Wise; and a host of nieces, nephews other relatives and friends.

Robert, also called by several names, (Bobby, Dad, Papa, Grandpa, Uncle Bobby, Pastor, Bob and "My Friend"), was a wonderful husband, father and father-figure to many. He was a kind man and one of the funniest men anyone would ever meet. He genuinely loved people and was loved by many.

Bobby and Jackie met in March 1967 and were married on November 25, 1967…56 wonderful years. After seven years of not having babies, they adopted Marcus, who preceded them in death on October 19, 2022. Soon after he was off to college, they became "parents" to four beautiful daughters. They now have twelve grands and one great-grand…not bad for a slow beginning!

Bobby loved music, having had his own band when Jackie met him. He loved the piano, but the organ was his calling. He was a fisherman from his heart, even when he caught nothing. He and his son spent many days returning home with empty baskets, but good times for them. He especially loved to visit Jackie's family in Virginia, fishing with her dad, brothers, and nephews. Now that was real fishing…almost like the 12 disciples who cast their nets! Bobby also loved the Cleveland Browns - win, lose or draw! His excitement was almost overwhelming this season.

In 2012 he announced to Jackie that the Lord was calling him into ministry, around the time his sister, Pastor Ramona Hunter passed. Jackie was very proud and excited for him but didn't know anything about being a pastor's wife. Well, she quickly discovered that she would continue to be who she was to him…his "Jack" and he was her "Bobby". He was a wonderful pastor…still funny, however always had a powerful word from the Word of God.

Well Sweetie, you are being missed, especially by me, Jackie. Sometimes life throws us a curve, but God is ALWAYS good. No mistakes, no regrets. We'll meet again someday.

The family will receive friends on Tuesday February 20, 2024 from 10am - 11am at Lifepointe Church, 4555 Marshall Rd, Dayton, OH 45429. The service will follow with at 11am. Robert will be laid to rest with honors at Dayton National Cemetery at 1pm.

To share a memory of Robert or leave a special message for his family, please visit the guestbook below.