A Celebration of Life
for
Rick Darrell Howard

Sunrise: February 9, 1964 Sunset: January 6, 2017

~Service~
Friday, January 13, 2016
11:00 AM
Herman H. Lohmeyer – Funeral Home
500 E. Walnut Street
Springfield, MO. 65806

Rick Darrell Howard was born on February 9, 1964 in the beautiful palm city of Fort Myers, Florida to his father Adolph D. Howard Sr. and mother Winifred Brown. Rick was the fourth oldest son and sixth oldest child over all. He received his primary and secondary education in the Lee County Public School system. Rick graduated from Riverdale High in 1982. During his four years at Riverdale, Rick participated in basketball where he excelled and was named All SW Florida, 2nd team. After graduating from high school his basketball talents lead him out of the state of Florida as he continued his quest in basketball receiving a scholarship to attend Southwest Baptist University in Bolivar, Missouri.

Rick graduated from SBU in 1986 obtaining a degree in Sociology, he then returned home to Florida and began a career in Probation and Parole. During this time he married his highschool sweetheart and first love Rose Brown, lasting several years.

Rick then relocated back to Bolivar, Missouri where he met the love of his life Sunilyn Crites whom he married and had a handsome baby boy, Ricky Darrell Howard II. They shared a great love and once they parted ways they remained great friends having a mutual respect for one another while successfully co parenting their son.

He was very passionate about advocating and serving the community and he fulfilled this passion with the many years of his employment in the Mental Health field. Once Rick dedicate his life to Christ he became instrumental in mentoring and teaching of core values and biblical principles as a Sunday school teacher in his church. Rick was dedicated to teaching his son Ricky the same principles of keeping “God” first and working hard in life to get what you want.

Rick loved his mother (Winifred) very dearly as she was always the guiding and loving force in his life.He loved being with family and friends laughing and having a good time. He also was an avid sports fan but most of all he loved the Dallas Cowboys.

Rick departed this earthly world and went to be with the lord on January 6, 2017. He was preceded in death by his mother Winifred and step-father Arthur Mitchell and his father Adolph D. Howard Sr.

He leaves to cherish his memories: his son Ricky D. Howard II of Tulsa, OK.; Three sisters, Valeria McCarter, Linda Brown and Cassandra C. Mitchell; Six brothers, Adolph D. & Theresa A. Howard, Sherman L. & Patricia Howard, James V. & Heather Howard, Arthur & Angela Mitchell; Randy & Donna Mitchell and David Christian all of Fort Myers, FL. Also a host of nephews, nieces, cousins and friends.

Special & Dear Friends: Cindy and Greg Spaethe, Lester Baker, Suni Hertt, Debbie Oldow, Mike Cribbs, Stephanie Taylor, and the Cribbs family.


“When I die I want my greatest achievement to read: He loved his son beyond belief.”
A note dated November 27, 2012, 5:30pm.


In lieu of flowers it is requested that donations be made to the college fund for Ricky Darrell Howard II at the Bank of Bolivar, P.O. Box 560, Bolivar, MO 65613.