Fred Howard

1949 - 2020

Fred Howard
March 28, 1949 - November 25, 2020
Fresno, California - Fred Eugene Howard joined our Lord in Heaven on November 25, 2020. Fred was born in Fresno to Betty and Orville Howard. A 1967 graduate of Hoover High School, he received eight varsity letters in football, basketball, and baseball as well as induction into the school's baseball and football Hall of Fame. After graduation, Fred married his high school sweetheart, Mary Ellen Trafican, was recruited to play professional baseball for the New York Mets and enlisted as a Marine Corps Reserve. Fred eventually traded in his baseball glove to go to work for Union Oil Company, a job he felt was better suited to raising a family. After spending some time in San Jose for Union Oil, Fred and Mary decided it was time to return to Fresno to raise their two boys, Kevin and Keith.
His ownership of the service station at Gettysburg and Blackstone was the start of Fred's many business ventures. Over the next 40 years he successfully owned numerous service and gas stations, car washes, convenience stores and 14 Rally's locations. Fred worked hard and played hard. When he wasn't working, Fred enjoyed golfing at his home course, Fort Washington Country Club, traveling to baseball games and car races, and duck hunting at the Duck Club in Dos Palos. He and Mary also traveled extensively around the world, creating memories with their dearest friends and family.
More than anything, Fred loved his family and treasured his role as husband, father, and grandfather. He wanted nothing more than to spend as much time as possible with his five grandchildren and was blessed to be able to take them all on a Disney cruise last year. When not with his grandchildren at his cabin in Shaver Lake or at the beach in Santa Cruz, his idea of the perfect Sunday included barbecuing and watching his grandchildren play and swim in his backyard. "Pa", as they called him, would always remind them to try their best, love with all their hearts, stay close to their family, and pray.
This past year was one of the most challenging for Fred as his health continued to decline. He was extremely grateful for the unconditional love and support he received from his family, the many nights his granddaughter, Amanda, spent caring for him, and the special visits from so many long-time friends. Time with family and friends always lifted his spirits. The family also sincerely thanks Dr. Boran, Dr. Hager, Dr. Lynch, Dr. Hadcock, Dr. Fong, Dr. Kroeker and Dr. Kruger for their compassionate care.
Fred is survived by Mary Ellen, his wife of 52 years, by his two sons Kevin Howard (Desi) of Fresno and Keith Howard (Gina) of Fresno, by his five grandchildren, Amanda, Sadi, Dylan, Rian and Hudson, by his sisters-in-law Karen Trafican, Dana Herzog, Gail Ferreira (Chuck), and by his numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, and precious nieces and nephews.
Fred was preceded in death by his parents, Betty and Orville Howard, his brothers, Lloyd and Eddie Howard, and his in-laws, Dorothea and Harold Trafican.
A memorial service will be held at a later date. Donations can be made to LARCS, P.O. Box 14144, Pinedale, CA 93650 or Catholic Charities, 149 Fulton Street, Fresno, CA 93701. To sign the guestbook, offer condolences or share photos, please visit www.Farewell.com/obits.