Cecil Lucian Howard

CECIL LUCIAN HOWARD, born Thursday, February 17, 1938, in Cambridge, Ohio, was the beloved son of Rosetta and Eddie Howard. The family later settled in Columbus, Ohio, where Cecil graduated from Columbus Central High School.
A hardworking and dedicated man, Cecil embraced many careers throughout his life. He proudly served in the United States Army, completing a tour of duty in Germany as an Army Scout. During his military service, Cecil also became a boxer and won the U.S. Army Divisional Championship. On March 3, 2017, he was honored with a Certificate of Service for his distinguished contributions to the United States Army.
After returning home from the military, Cecil worked for Swan Cleaners as a delivery truck driver before joining Rockwell International. He eventually found his long-term professional home at General Electric (GE). There, he served as a High-Pressure Research Technician - a title that only hinted at his true impact. Over more than twenty-five years with GE, Cecil became the plant's go-to problem solver: respected, trusted, and relied upon by colleagues throughout the facility.
Cecil was deeply committed to service, fellowship, and community. He was an active member of several VFW organizations and later became President of the Kasual Social Klub, a group of former military members dedicated to organizing charitable events, cookouts, bus trips, cabarets, Spades and Bid Whiz tournaments. He also joined fellow members in creating the popular "Men in Black" line-dancing group, where he found joy, rhythm, and camaraderie.
Cecil's personal life was filled with love and devotion. After his military service, he married his first wife, Ethel, and together they welcomed two children, Michael and Venus Howard. In 2020, he married his second wife, Barbara Portis, with whom he shared a loving and supportive partnership.
Our beloved Cecil L. Howard was called home to our Lord on Sunday, November 16, 2025, after courageously facing multiple health challenges over the past six years, ultimately passing from a heart attack that Sunday morning. He was blessed with eighty-seven years of life.
Cecil was preceded in death by his parents, Rosetta and Eddie Howard; his first wife, Ethel Howard; and siblings, Ruth (William) Bristol and Johnny (Lena) Harris.
Cecil leaves behind a host of loved ones who will forever cherish his memory: his devoted wife, Barbara Howard; his children, Michael and Venus Howard; grandson, Troy Howard; his stepchildren, Julie Person, Lisa Tate, and Alfred David (Kathy) Tate II; and step-grandsons, Ashton Brean Goins, Adriel Bayan Goins, and Alfred Drew Tate III. He is also survived by his beloved sister, Ella (Jason) Lewis; his helpful nephew, Kevin Gordon; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends.
Cecil was a man of remarkable character - kind, generous, and ever willing to lend a helping hand. Soft-spoken yet full of humor, he could make others laugh until their sides ached. His wisdom, calm presence, and steady guidance were gifts he shared freely. Cecil touched countless lives with his gentle spirit and unwavering love. He will be deeply missed by all who were blessed to know him. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of CECIL, please visit our floral store.