Philip W. Howard

Philip W. "Phil" Howard, 66, of Topeka, passed away Thursday, July 12, 2012.

Phil was born on November 25, 1945, in Topeka, son of Carl and Ida (Russell) Howard. He graduated from Topeka West High School in 1963. Phil was united in marriage to Jackie Smith Collier on December 18, 1981. He worked for Crane and Company, State Office System, Midwest Office Supply, and retired on December 31, 2011, from Century United Companies.

In his youth, he belonged to Boy Scouts Troop 49, attaining the rank of Life Scout. As an adult, he served as an adult leader for Boy Scouts Troop 7. Phil taught hunter safety, served as past president of Quail Unlimited, coached youth softball and baseball teams, raced stock car #79 at Topeka Fairgrounds and Topeka Raceway. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, boating, shooting and most of all, spending time with his children and grandchildren.

Phil is survived by his wife, Jackie Howard, Topeka, children, Lisa (Randy) Joslin, Clearwater, Todd (Heather) Howard, Atlanta, GA, Jennifer Medley, Topeka, and Clint Collier, Topeka, grandchildren, Megan Howard and Katie Joslin, Clearwater, Jake, Abigail, and Brooke Medley, Topeka, and Beatrix Howard, Atlanta, sister, June Bozarth, Independence, MO, many brother and sister in-laws, nieces, nephews, and great nieces and nephews.

He will be greatly missed for his child-like spirit and wonderful sense of humor.

Services will be held at 10:00 a.m. Monday, July 16, 2012, at Lowman United Methodist Church, Topeka. Interment will follow at Mount Hope Cemetery, Topeka. Mr. Howard will lie in state after 12:00 p.m. Sunday, July 15, 2012, at Penwell-Gabel Mid-Town Chapel, Topeka, where the family will greet friends from 2:00 p.m.– 4:00 p.m.

Memorial contributions may be directed to Phil Howard Memorial Fund For Youth Hunting and Fishing c/o Core First Bank and Trust, Topeka, or Lowman United Methodist Church, Topeka.