Mr. Derek Abbot Howard
1949 - 2018
Mr. Derek Abbot Howard
1949 - 2018
Obituary
Guest Book
BORN
1949
DIED
2018
Derek Howard Obituary
Derek “Dee” Howard died peacefully in Tampa Bay, Florida on January 1, 2018 at the age of 68 years young. He served our country for 4 years and is a Veteran of the United States Air Force. Derek is survived by his wife of 48 years, Christine Howard, his three daughters, Deena McCreath, Tracy Fry, and Shannon Howard, his two grandchildren, Carys “Cokie” McCreath and Arden “Ardie” McCreath, and his twin sister, Pam Eckert.
Derek was born on February 5, 1949 in Brooklyn, New York. He spent his childhood and teenage years growing up in Southampton, NY. He graduated Southampton High School in 1966. Derek married Christine Howard, his high school sweetheart in 1969. After relocating to Tampa, Florida, Derek discovered his love for aircraft. He worked as an aircraft mechanic for over 30 years when he retired at the age of 60. Over the years, the couple welcomed 3 children into their home. Derek’s children remember him as a kind, gentle, and giving father who encouraged them to enjoy life just as he did. Derek was an accomplished drummer and found his passion for playing music at a very young age. He started in a band “The Journeymen” as a teenage boy and continued playing drums throughout all his adulthood. He was an active guy who enjoyed weekend gigs with his band Encore. He was a generous individual who is described as a “glass half full kind of guy.” He was passionate about playing the drums, going to car shows with his 1966 Baracuda, cooking and eating out. His favorite expression was “this was the best I’ve ever had.”
Derek was a wonderful husband, father, and friend and brother. He loved life, loved his band, loved his classic car “Thumper” and most importantly, loved his family. He had a special soft spot for his Granddaughters Carys and Arden. He loved to talk to anyone and would give the shirt off his back without hesitation. Derek’s time with us was too short. However, God needed a drummer in Heaven. In honor of his memory, a private service will be held for family and a celebration of life will be held in February that will welcome all.
In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Christopher and Dana Reeve foundation to help find a cure for Spinal Cord Injuries.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Brian La Rochelle
May 8, 2018
I just found out today after being told in by an old co-worker I ran into today. He asked me if I remembered "Dee"... I told him, Well, yea! We worked together for 12 years at Pall Aeropower Corp. I started to go on about our friendship, his band, etc. and then he suddenly said to me, "He Died". I was floored. I still can't get over it. He was one of the people in my life that I truly liked - I looked up to him for being a fellow musician and his passion to play in his band. He was an awesome person. He was very generous and would truly give you the shirt off his back. He was the only person from that job that helped me out during the lowest time in my entire life. He was a "true" friend. Dee, you will always be remembered. always.
Your Friend,
Brian
Janis
February 9, 2018
Dear Chris, I will always remember Derek when I stayed at the hill street house during the summers when growing up. Derek was usually smiling or laughing about something. Very sorry to hear of his passing.
Perry Blanchfield
January 22, 2018
I worked with Dee at the Piper facility in Lakeland. Such good memories of him at Piper and after work too. We were all a little wild back then. My Brother Kevin was a very close friend of Dee. They are both in Heaven now looking down of all of us. My thoughts and prayers are with the family. Rest in peace my good friend.
Kathy McMullen
January 11, 2018
I have always considered myself lucky that I grew up in the same house with my cousins, Derek, Pam & George, until I was seven. Those are some of my most favorite memories! I still remember the first time I met Kris and how she became so loved by all of us. Derek will always have a special place in my heart. Love to Kris and his entire family.
Kathy McMullen Bakalarski
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Tracy Cheree Fry
January 10, 2018
Hi Dad....I'm sorry I haven't written sooner but I am still searching for the words. I miss you so much and can't even imagine spending my birthday without you for the first time next week. I hope you know YOU were my first true love! I have so many memories (from childhood to recent) of the times we spent together and I will cherish them forever. Most recently the gigs and car shows we would go with you to. Everytime you played or won a trophy for Thumper I saw how happy it made you and I was always so proud to be able to say you're MY Dad. I want to thank you for all that you did for me and will always remember that even though we would talk several times a day, you NEVER hung up without saying "I love you". I am so very proud of your bravery and positivity. I just want you to know there will not be one day that I don't think of you and miss you terribly. Please give Boston a big kiss from his Mama. I miss you Dad!!!
Love,
Tra Tra
January 7, 2018
I love you Dad. I will forever be in awe of your bravery, courage, strength and dignity. Take care of my boys. Deena
Jonathan Kaplan
January 6, 2018
Derek's spirit on earth was vibrant,full of life. His spirit will eternally comfort, guide and inspire those he touched. May the Almighty comfort his family and friends with the blessings of peace.
Derek: May the Lord bless you and keep you; may he lift his face unto you and be gracious to you; may the Lord turn his face to you and grant you eternal peace. With love, jdk
January 6, 2018
My thoughts and prayers go out to the family of Dee Howard
Rich Monterose
Ray Gibson
January 6, 2018
I stood next to him playing bass while he played his wonderful drums. I truly enjoyed spending time and talking with Dee about music, cars and life.... he always had a compliment for everything." Have you tried their cheeseburger? They're the best" Dee was one of the most positive people I've ever known.
January 5, 2018
So sad to hear. Will always remember the good times at our Super Bowl parties and our weekends with Pam and Bob. Cars, airplanes and music were favorite topics of Dee's that he and I could always connect with.
Ted & Pat
Jeffrey Whitman
January 5, 2018
So very sorry for your loss. He was one of the good guys, I will miss him.
January 5, 2018
I AM SO SORRY TO HEAR THIS NEWS OF DEE -- I MEET DEE AT PALL WHARE WE WORKED -- HE WAS ALWAYS SO KIND AND GOOD TO EVERYONE HE MEET -- HE WILL BE MISSED -- DEE MAY YOU RIP MY FRIEND THREW THE MERCY OF JESUS CHRIST OUR LORD-- HEAVEN WILL LOVE TO HEAR YOU PLAY YOUR DRUMS - GOD BLESS YOU DEE
MARY T. LONG.--PORT RICHEY, FL.
Chloe "cluck cluck" Howard Lascari
January 5, 2018
You were the best poppi ever. Thank you for always giving me chicken and turkey and roast beefie. I miss you poppi.
Lol-lots of licks
Xoxo
Love, your grand"dog"
Shannon Howard
January 5, 2018
Miss you dad!
You were strong and brave and I love you very much. Xoxo
Sherri Fairley
January 5, 2018
I met Dee at Pall Aerospace. He was always smiling and sometimes I would ask him what he was up to. I also had the privilege to listen to his band play. My thoughts and prayers are with the family. I will hold my memories of him warm in my heart. Dee you truly are a treasure.
January 5, 2018
Dee was one of my best friends in High School. We were supposed to join the Air Force together but my orders were "Red Lined" and we were separated because I went to the 3330th Special Training Flights. After that our lives went in different directions and he ended up in Florida. I still picture Cris and Derek sitting with or on, LOL, each other at the Pink Panther. Young Love is very powerful.
John Baccoli
January 5, 2018
So sorry to hear of the loss of such a kind man. I played music with Dee in the band Shout for several years. He was liked by all and kind to everyone. My sympathies to his wife and family.
Barry & Shara Brungard
January 4, 2018
Chris,
We are so sorry about Dee passing. I worked for many years with Dee at Piper in Lakeland and Vero. Dee was such a good guy and friend. As the years have passed by there have been many times when I have remembered experiences with Dee at work and after. He will always be with us in memory. God bless you and your family. RIP Dee!
Becki Hopkins
January 4, 2018
So very sorry for everyone's loss. My family has known and loved Derek for over 40 years. I grew up next door to The Howard's and have wonderful memories of all those years. Such a good friend, neighbor and father he was. I'm so sad he left us...and heartbroken for his family. Lifting prayers for comfort for his family.
JaLeen Jordan
January 4, 2018
Sending prayers up for the family. God is honored to have a great drummer , father, husband , grandfather and friend into the pearly gates.
January 3, 2018
My condolences for your loss. Wishing your family peace to bring comfort, courage to face the days ahead, and loving memories to forever hold in your hands. May God continue to comfort you and your family. ( Psalms 9:9,10)
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