Robert Lee Howard

Robert Lee Howard 1934- Robert Lee Howard, 90, passed away peacefully of natural causes on February 18, 2025, in the Veterans Administration Hospital in Syracuse, New York. A lifelong servant of God, country and community, Mr. Howard leaves behind a legacy as a soldier, social worker, leader, teacher, husband, father, and proud Appalachian Mountaineer.

Born on July 16, 1934, Mr. Howard served with distinction in the United States Army, rising to the rank of Sergeant First Class in just five years. Following his military service, he returned to his beloved hometown of Harlan, Kentucky, where he dedicated over four decades of his life to social work, leading vocational rehabilitation at Harlan Workshop Enterprises for 23 years and offering a steady hand to those navigating hardship in the Appalachian hills.

A respected community leader, Robert served as President of the Harlan Country Club and the Lions Club, where he notably championed the inclusion of women members for the first time. He was a devoted member of the Harlan Church of Christ, serving on its Board of Directors and teaching Bible study classes for several years.

A 32nd-degree Master Mason and lifelong member of the Shriners Hospital and Masonic Lodge, Mr. Howard carried with him a deep sense of tradition, integrity, and service.

He graduated from the University of the Cumberlands (formerly Cumberland College) at the age of 54 with a degree in sociology, a reflection of his unwavering commitment to learning and personal growth.

Robert is survived by his beloved wife of more than 70 years, Vercella Katherine Howard; his children, Richard Dallas Howard (Heidi Achenbach Howard) and Cheryl Lee Long (Tim Long); his grandchildren, Katie and Matthew Long, and Jenny Harris (Hayden), and Justin, Barrett, and Johnathan Howard; and two great-grandchildren, Connelly and Millie Harris. He is also survived by his sisters, Geraldine Middleton, Glenna Jean Miller, and Sally Joe Spencer.

But his family extends far beyond blood. The people of Harlan, Kentucky, hundreds of whom knew Robert as a source of guidance, encouragement, and compassionate strength, also carry forward his legacy. He walked beside them in their most challenging moments, offering both professional support and neighborly care.

His son and daughter, Richard and Cheryl, remember him this way:

"Our dad lived and died as a Mountaineer. He took a stand for his country, and then he took a stand for the people of Appalachia. He loved our mother, and that's why he came to New York, so our family could be with him and Mom at the end. He told me that if something inequitable bothered us, we didn't have to repair the damage, just do something about it. He was right. That's how we fix things."

Robert took up golf later in life and enjoyed an honest mid-80s game well into his 70s. He lived well, and he died well, rooted in the shadow of the hills he called home, guided always by his faith and love for family.

His remains will be interred with military honors at Arlington National Cemetery Columbarium in the spring of 2026.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you honor Robert's memory by doing something - anything - that makes your community better. As he often said: "Just do something about it."