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FUNERAL HOME

Cole Funeral Chapel - Chelsea

214 E. Middle St.

Chelsea, Michigan

Richard Howard Obituary

HOWARD, RICHARD Chelsea, Michigan
Age 60, died suddenly on Wednesday, January 22, 2014. He was born May 11, 1953 in Stockbridge, the son of Wiley and Betty (Wireman) Howard. He was a loving husband, son, father, grandfather and friend. He was an avid reader, artist, poet and lover of words. Richard could quote the Bible and find any verse in a second. He was a wonderful man that will be truly missed. On December 23, 1972, he married Paula Haas, and she survives. Other survivors include his mother, Betty Howard; a son, Bradford (Shannon) Howard; a daughter, Andrea (Jason) Burgher; grandchildren, Shianne, Marqeece, Catara and Wylie Howard, Tricia Somervell, and Sirena and Lorelei Burgher; his siblings, Ron (Linda) Howard, Karolen Howard, Shirley (Wes) Stinehelfer, and Roger Howard; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by a son, Nathan Howard, and his father, Wiley Howard. A private service will be held. Burial will be at Oak Grove Cemetery in Chelsea. Memorial contributions may be made to his family for his grandchildren. Arrangements by Cole Funeral Chapel.

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Published by Ann Arbor News from Jan. 24 to Jan. 26, 2014.

Memories and Condolences
for Richard Howard

26 Entries

Sheila

March 8, 2014

Rich and I were pen pals many years ago and shared poems and books and family stories. We never spoke or met, but I felt I knew you through his love for you. I used to send cheese and caramel corn. May he rest in peace

February 17, 2014

I shall never forget Richard for as long as I live. He was my son in the faith my friend and I have many books in my library due to his unselfishness.We shared a common faith and love for God's word. Bill Enslen

January 31, 2014

MY condolences to the Howard family in their time of sorrow..
Don Rowe

Robin Schneider

January 30, 2014

Rob and I just found out today that Richard had died. Richard was an integral part of our Bible study group in high school, and we pray that the family understands that he's feeling better right now than he has in a long time. Prayers to Paula, his kids, and the rest of the family. Our only comfort when a loved one is taken home is that we shall meet again. Rob and Robin Schneider

January 29, 2014

Dearest Paula, I'm so sorry for the terrible loss your whole family shares. I remember some wonderful times with you and Richard, when we would visit at your home especially. I feel like you have been an incredable example of a loving wife, always patient and supportive, and always showing love and support. All of the trials were shared by you, you never seperated yourself or made it seem an inconvenience to you. What an amazing WIFE and love of his life you have been as long as I have known you. So I hope you know you have been the best you could have been, and have some comfort in that. Yes, we loved Richard, and he always made us laugh. He also gently pushed your mind to think on things a little more, or from another perspective. I always respected his intelligence and ability to grasp so much of God's word. He was an unusually bright creation God allowed us to visit. It was our priviledge. Love you sweetie-God bless you, Wenda Boomer (Butterfield)

Buck Allen

January 28, 2014

I haven't talk to Richard in 30 years but I remember him well as a child hood friend. My condolences to the entire family.

January 26, 2014

One of my dad's poems for mom:

The wind has always been a mystery to me
it blows wither it will
It's source no one can see.
You my love are like the wind
Blowing wild and free,
I never noticed you were there
Until you blew by me!!!!!

I love you so much mom you and dad were the best parents a girl could have ever wanted! I only hope to be as close to as good of a mom as you are!
I was a daddy's girl now my daddy is in heaven with my brother,and we have to go on for us and our babies! I am left with an emptiness that only god can fill! I pray for peace and strength for all of us to make it through this! I loved my daddy with all my heart! And will always miss him! I love you mommy!!!!

Dale & Dianna Burgher

January 26, 2014

The best thing about Richard was his love for his family especially the grand kids. It was this joy that we also shared with Richard and Paula. He seemed to enjoy the good things in life such as his books, flowers and all the antics of the grandkids. We often laughed about the grands visits to our farm and the crazy things they would do or the animals they could play with.
We came into the family with the marriage of Andrea to our son Jason. It has been an adventure. Now Richard will be reunited with his father, son Nathan and others who have gone before him to enjoy the peace he will find. We shall all be together again when it is our turn to pass over to the other side for he will be there to show us around. We shall wait for our reunion with him and you will always live in our hearts and prayers.

January 25, 2014

Dear Andrea and Jason,
Sorry to hear about losing your Dad. We are thinking about you and the girls. He sounds like a very talented person and is now in a better place, with no pain. In time, the pain will be less and you will always have him in your heart.
With Love,
Uncle Richard, Aunt Janet, and Luke

Jennifer Hudgins

January 25, 2014

Our thoughts are with your family.

Wes Stinehelfer

January 25, 2014

Richard loved God's Word, had many books about it, and a number of copies of it. I used to ask him questions because I loved it when he went on one of his rambling dissertations. There was so much knowledge in that head and hearing it spill out was joyous to me. I believe Richard would be pleased if I just quoted one of my favorite passages here today. Richard, now newly immortal, would surely like us mortals left behind to comfort ourselves with it;
(Lamentations 3:21-23) This I recall to my mind, therefore have I hope. It is of the LORD'S mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness.

Ron Howard

January 25, 2014

We weren't exactly 2 peas in a pod but we are brothers. I will miss you.

January 25, 2014

Paula, and family: Richard made everyone feel accepted by him, and like a friend. He's with his friend, Eric, and so many others that have gone before. Your loss is Heaven's gain. Be comforted that you will see him again one day. Love and prayers!

Linda Policht-McIver

January 25, 2014

It will be difficult for me to type this, as the tears are filling my eyes. My heart is heavy, as it is difficult to read Richard's obituary. We know life is short, but one NEVER wants to have to see a loved one's name on the list. Today, I did, and it was your precious hubby, and children's daddy. AND----my FRIEND. I have soooo many wonderful memories of Richard. He was the BEST Man, in mine and Eric's wedding. (something funny about that memory is, the tuxedo rental supplier, had shoes, for all the guys to match their tuxedo's, and Eric's shoes were TOO SMALL, and so Richard, kindly let him wear his pair, and Richard wore the one's that were too small---he never did stop complaining how BAD his feet hurt the whole time of the wedding and reception, but he suffered so his friend (Eric) wouldn't have to). That was the kind of man he was. He loved my Buddy, Eric, and Eric loved him. They use to LOVE to go shopping for BOOKS, BOOKS, AND MORE BOOKS. :) But also Richard loved Jesus, and study God's Word. He was jolly and always had a listening ear. I will miss him, but get great consolation in knowing, one day we will ALL be together again. Paula, I just want you to know, you were a wonderful wife, and I am sure you, next to Jesus, was Richard's BEST friend, and confidant. I love you Paula, please stay in touch. I love you. ----I betcha, Paula as Richard walked in to Heaven, Eric was there and greeted him, saying, "Heyyyyyy Boooooooo, so glad to see you,I've missed you, let me show you around." ((((hugs))) Linda

Rod Boomer

January 25, 2014

Always enjoyed Richards very educational messages! He was one of the nicest guys I know. I would imagine him and Eric are hugging right now! I'll be praying for comfort for the family.

Gary and Tonja Matthews

January 25, 2014

We have many, many good memories to carry with us of Richard. One of them is at our wedding rehearsal. We will never forget how much fun we had. He will be missed very much. We are so glad to have the hope of seeing him again one day. We love you guys very much and will continue to pray for you.

rebecca white

January 25, 2014

He was a good loving man... U will always be in my heart

Glenn & Danya Williamson

January 25, 2014

Our prayers are with the family of Richard Howard such dear friends ours.

Leah A.K.A. DeReese Henderson

January 25, 2014

My Uncle Bub had a nickname for just about everyone. Mine was DeReese. I'll always be his DeReese. He had a way of making me feel special. I knew that he accepted me for who I was. He fostered a love of reading in me that will be with me the rest of my life. He had a gentle heart that was big enough to hold a loyal and steadfast love for all his family. I love you Uncle Bub.

Rachel Kulesa

January 25, 2014

my prayers and condolences to all of your family Andrea

January 24, 2014

I love you daddy!!!!

January 24, 2014

So sorry to hear about Richard, I Have know him for many years. Cliff Arnett

Saline PT/Hand Therapy Department

January 24, 2014

Paula and Family, We are so sorry for your loss. May you find comfort in your memories and knowing he is at peace in the Lord's arms.
Your friends at Saline PT/Hand

January 24, 2014

Paula and Family, Our thoughts and prayers are with you. so sorry for your loss. love, your MOC-PT family xoxoxoxo

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