William A. Howard Jr.

William "Bill" A. Howard, Jr., 92, passed away Friday, December 18, 2020 at Morrison Woods Health Campus in Muncie. He was born May 4, 1928, in Indianapolis to the late William A. & Nora Lee (Rooks) Howard. He was a veteran, serving in the U.S. Army. Bill was a trooper with the Indiana State Police for 22 years having served at the Pendleton Post. He was a proud member of Pioneers of the Indiana State Police and other ISP associations. Bill was a member of the New Horizons Methodist Church. He had also been a member of the Quincy Masonic Lodge #230 F. & A.M., Elwood Order of the Eastern Star Chapter #71, the Murat Temple, and several other associations where he served in many positions. In his youth, Bill won many accolades and trophies for bicycle racing, even having been an Olympic hopeful. He was a champion for the Special Olympics, having coached a variety of sports. Along with his wife, he co-founded a school for special needs children in Madison County. Bill is survived by his wife of 64 years, Phyllis (Tharp) Howard; son, Randy (wife, Becky) Robinson; grandchildren, Greg (wife, Alissa) Robinson & Angela Robinson; great grandchildren, Aberdeen, Ewan, & Cruz; sisters, Betty L. Layman of Eureka, CA & Edna Mae (husband, Al) Peetz of Danville, IL; sister-in-law, Joyce Ann Howard of Indianapolis; several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his son, Richard "Rickie" Howard; and brother, James O. Howard. Services will be at 2 pm Wednesday, December 23, 2020 at Brown-Butz-Diedring Funeral Service & Crematory, with Reverend Brad Hensley officiating. Burial will be at East Maplewood Cemetery. Visitation will be from noon until the time of services at the funeral home. Due to recent COVID-19 mandates, all guests are required to wear face masks and practice social distancing. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the New Horizons United Methodist Church or to the Special Olympics of Madison County.