David Leon Howard

David Howard went home to be with the Lord, surrounded by his wife and family, in their home, right where he wanted to be, on December 17, 2025, after a 6-month battle with his health.
David Leon Howard was born on August 12, 1937, in Visalia, CA. He was born to the late Lawrence John and Ural Nadine Howard. He is survived by his wife, Frances Lee Howard of 52 years and his children, Gregory David Howard (Barbara), Elizabeth Jane Howard, and Jill Alison Howard; his grandchildren, Keith Ode and Joel Ode; and great grandchildren, Aaden Smith and Liam Ode. He is also survived by his brother, Phillip Allen Howard and sister-in-law Caroline; his loving nieces who had the privilege of caring for him in his last days, Deborah, Rebecca and Elizabeth as well as other nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews who loved him very much. In addition to his parents, he is predeceased by his siblings, Lawrence John Jr., Hazel Louise Howard, Monte Ray Howard, Norman Paul Howard, and Naoma Ruth Althar; and grandchildren, Zachary Ode and Mackenzie Rose Baker.
He graduated from Richmond Union High School in 1955, and had several jobs, one being working for Kraft Paper in Richmond, before becoming an iron worker and joining the Iron Workers Union in 1961. His first job was working for Bigge Crane and Rigging. He was pursuing working for the Richmond Fire Department and that became true in 1963 at the age of 26. He later became a fire inspector and retired as Fire Marshall at the age of 54. He served as president of the Fireman's Union and was instrumental in obtaining excellent benefits for firefighters. He started his own successful business called FDH, which stood for Fran and David Howard but also stood for "Fat, Dumb and Happy". He became a lobbyist and consultant for BNSF (Burlington Northern Sante Fe Railroad), the largest freight railroad in the United States. His work was completed and the company discontinued when they made the move to South Carolina in May 2022 at the age of 85.
He was a member of Valley Bible Church for over 50 years, where he oversaw our second building program and became the Pastor of Congregational Care. David cared for and helped so many families throughout the years at VBC. He was instrumental in sponsoring the Truth For Today Radio Program and retired from Valley Bible Church in 2017, at the age of 80.
David grew up and much of his life was shaped as a Bay Area, Richmond boy. He became a Christian in 1961 at the age of 24 at Central Assembly Church located at 13th and Barrett Ave in Richmond, CA. Brother Monroe Stevens, Frank Griffith's uncle was preaching, and the Holy Spirit did a work in his heart that changed his life forever.
David was a "get-it-done" person and worked hard as a sponsor and director of multiple organizations such as the Richmond Police and Fire Golf Tournament, Richmond Rescue Mission Golf Tournament, now known as Bay Area Rescue Mission, the Black Men and Women's Association of the East Bay (BMW), as well as Safe Harbor Home in Kingsburg, CA. He led these tournaments for years and helped raise money for these organizations.
David loved playing golf and was an avid golfer. In his golf career, he shot 3 holes in one, he achieved a career best round of 3 under par, 69 and accomplished this at the age of 67. He was a member of the Richmond Country Club and the Napa Valley Country Club, where he spent a lot of time enjoying the sport.
David married Fran in 1973 in Reno, NV. They were married for 52 wonderful years. David was loving and kind. He was a man of action and that was noted when he said, "We are going to get married", on their first date! His wife, Fran was a faithful, loving wife, who made him a pie any time he asked.
One of his favorite sayings about facing life's challenges was, "But God.." Genesis 50:20 says, "You meant evil against me, but God meant it for good." Ephesians 2:4-5 says, "But God being rich in mercy...made us together alive with Christ." His life was characterized by his passion for Jesus and loving others and he knew but for the grace of God and His divine mercy, he would not be where he was.
A Celebration of Life service will be held Tuesday, December 23, 2025 at 12:30 p.m. at Fellowship Greenville.
Friends are encouraged to share their favorite memories of David with the family by clicking on the button labeled "Share A Memory". To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of David, please visit our floral store.