MARK LEE HOWARD

Mark Lee Howard, born in Oakland, CA, went to be with the Lord on Monday, February 5, 2018, at age 66. Mark was a very accomplished wildlife artist known as "the man behind the pen". As the son of a U.S. Navy officer, Mark and his family moved frequently throughout the United States offering him the opportunity to observe wildlife in many varied habitats and to develop a life long love of nature. Since his first art creation in 1963, until his departure in 2018, Mark experimented with pencil and ball point pen. In 1969, he won first place in the National Scholastic Awards (Graphic Art Edition) which fueled his drive to continue his art as a career. In 1999, Mark received international recognition as a wildlife artist after he was featured in "Wildlife Art" Magazine with his work being displayed in galleries in San Francisco, CA, Monterey, CA, and Carmel, CA. Mark was more than an artist with a love for baseball, fishing as well as being a certified scuba diver. At age 12, he was the lead pitcher who helped his little league team win the state championship in Olathe, KS. Mark was preceded in death by his mother, Anita Howard; his father, Donald Howard; a sister, Nancy Miller; and a brother, Scott Howard. Mark leaves behind his wife, Nancy (Sexton) Howard; a sister, Christy Tomi; a brother, Brad Howard; along with numerous nieces and nephews. Mark was a kind hearted person with a great love for his many cats and his deep faith in Christ, and he will be sorely missed by everyone who knew him. Visitation will be held at Smith Family Chapel, 505 E. Pine St., Exeter, CA, on Friday, February 16, 2018, from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., followed by a Funeral Service. A private burial will be held at Exeter Cemetery. Donations may be made to Project Survival's Cat Haven, 38257 E. Kings Canyon Rd., Dunlap, CA 93621; or American Lung Association, 1782 E. Bullard, Ste. 103, Fresno, CA 93710.