John Henry Howard was born February 7, 1933 in Marengo County, Alabama. He was the youngest child of Rosie Lee and Allen Howard. From the comfort of his home he found his eternal peace on April 8, 2016.

At the age of 17, John enlisted in the United States Army and began his lifelong Military career. He served his country well and was a drill sergeant, staff sergeant, paratrooper and 1st Sargent. John served infantry in the Cold War, Korean War and in the Vietnam War. He was a prisoner of war in Korea and described his time as placed in the center of the village in a cage on display so they could see a man of color up close.

John had a full career at the Federal Medical Center. Facing adversity he stuck true to his way and morals, rose in rank and was a recruiter for Affirmative Action and ended his career at the medical center as Correctional counselor.

He is proceeded in death by his parents Rosa and Allen Howard, sister Rachel Burpo, and former wife Nancy Fay Howard.

He loved his children and had a very special place for his grandson Zion Henry.

He leaves to celebrate his life, three sons, Kent Allen Howard (Chicago, IL), Karl Howard
(Milwaukee, WI), and John Jr. (Springfield, MO); two daughters Nia Jean Howard and Sonja Bonds, both of Springfield; along with a host of grandchildren, nieces, nephews, family and friends.

A graveside service was held on Friday, April 15, 2016 at Missouri Veterans Cemetery in Springfield Missouri.