Rev. Howard Wayne Capps Sr.

Rev. Howard Wayne Capps, Sr., devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and faithful servant of the Lord, entered his heavenly rest surrounded by love on October 27th, 2025. The pastor of American Missionary Baptist Church, Howard spent his life preaching the Gospel with a gentle spirit, a firm hope, and a shepherd's heart. He loved people the way he believed Christ loves us, patiently and without condition.
For 52 years, he was happily married to his best friend, Connie L. Capps. Together, they built a home filled with prayer, laughter, and love. He was a proud father to his son, Wayne Capps, and his wife, Brandon, and to his daughter, Amy Combs, and her husband, John. Howard also cherished a special bond with his nephew, Ryan Jaeger, and Ryan's wife, Dakota, whom he loved as his own.
His grandchildren were his delight: Danielle Brooks, Taylor Freeman and her boyfriend Sean, Madeline Capps, Kyleigh Capps, Lana Capps and Bryce Capps. He also welcomed into his heart honorary grandchildren Chesnee and Harper Jaeger. Great-grandchildren Cody, Letty, Sawyer, and Paxton Brooks filled the house with bright smiles, reminders of God's blessings through the generations.
Howard was preceded in death by his parents, Horace and Dezeary Capps, by his father- and mother-in-law, Raymond and Shirley Miller, by his brothers, James and Doug, and by his sisters, Inez and Patsy. He is lovingly remembered by his siblings: JC Capps and his wife, Barbara; Otis Capps and his wife, Phyllis; Maynard Capps; Wylie Capps and his wife, Reba; Joe Capps and his wife, Kay; and Catherine Long and her husband, Andy. He leaves behind a wide circle of nieces, nephews, church family, and friends including special friends Henry and Marlena Sisk, who were strengthened by his counsel, steady prayers, and warm handshakes at the church door.
In the pulpit he preached truth with humility. At the bedside he offered comfort with quiet words and faithful presence. At home he set the table for family and made room for anyone who needed a place to belong. Those who knew him will remember his unwavering faith, his infectious laugh, and the way he lived the Scriptures rather than merely quoting them.
The family will receive friends on Thursday, October 30, 2025, from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm at Rose Funeral & Cremation - Broadway with a celebration of Howard's life and ministry led by Rev. Danny Kelly to follow at 7:00 pm. Family and friends will gather at Rose Funeral & Cremation - Broadway on Friday October 31, 2025, at 10:00 am to leave in procession at 10:15 am to Woodhaven Memorial Gardens for an 11:00 am graveside service. Family and friends will gather to rejoice in the promise that to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord, and to give thanks for a life well lived and a race well run.
Until we meet again, we hold fast to the hope he preached and practiced: that love endures, mercy is new every morning, and Heaven is nearer than we think. May his memory be a blessing, and may the peace of Christ, which passes all understanding, keep the hearts of those who loved him.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks that memorial contributions be made to American Missionary Baptist Church.