John J. Howard, 84, Topeka, went to be with his Lord and Savior Sunday, October 20, 2019.
He was born October 28, 1934, in Springfield, Illinois, the son of John and Ruby (Sewell) Howard. He graduated from Valley Falls High School. He was a US Army veteran.
John was a computer programmer with DuPont, retiring in 1993 after 35 years. After retiring, he returned to DuPont as a consultant.
He was a member of First Southern Baptist Church, where he taught Sunday school for many years. He also volunteered at the VA, Plaza West Nursing Home and Topeka Rescue Mission.
On July 20, 1956, he married DeLoris "Dee" Thornton. She preceded him in death. He was also preceded in death by his grandson, Brad Brady, and brother, Robert Howard.
Survivors include five children, Debbie (Larry) Dew, Fall River, KS; Sheryl (Greg) Berroth, Topeka; Denise Howard (Mark Kistler), Overland Park, KS; Sandy (Clark) Brady, Spring Branch, TX and John (Shirley) Howard, Des Moines, IA; two sisters, Alberta "Bert" Walburn, and Gale (Jim) Morgan, all of Topeka; eight grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren.
He was an avid reader and the author of two western novels, The Reluctant Gun and Gun Justice.
John was a lifelong golfer and made many lasting friendships over the years on the course. In addition, he enjoyed hunting, fishing, and homemade ice cream. He was a natural story teller with a great sense of humor that he kept until the end.
But above all, he loved the Lord with all his heart and sharing the plan of salvation with others.
Funeral services will be at 1:00 pm, Thursday, October 24, 2019 at Penwell-Gabel Funeral Home, 1321 SW 10th, Topeka. Interment will follow at Rochester Cemetery. Visitation will be from 6:00 pm until 8:00 pm Wednesday, October 23, 2019 at the funeral home.
Memorial contributions may be made to Topeka Rescue Mission, Inc., PO Box 8350, Topeka, KS 66608.
To share a memory of John or leave a message for his family, please visit the guestbook below.