John Howard Brasher

John Howard Brasher (Bro. Howard) left the cares of this earthly life for the presence of his Lord on January 8, 2026, at the age of 97.

Howard was born on March 4, 1928, in Brasherville, Alabama, to Robert Edward Lee Brasher and Nellie Dupree Brasher. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Pattie Sue Merrell Brasher; his parents; his brothers Edward, Louis, Thomas, Robert, and Preston; and his sisters Elnora Whitlock, Mary Nell Lee, and Lanice Brasher. He is survived by his sister, Joan Harless.

Howard served his country in the United States military from 1948 to 1949, working around the Pentagon. He worked as a barber for many years, faithfully serving his community, but his greatest calling was serving the Lord. Howard was a devoted Southern Baptist minister and faithfully pastored Antioch Baptist Church for 32 years, preaching the Gospel, shepherding his congregation, and pointing countless lives to Christ.

Music was a vital part of Howard's ministry. Along with his brothers and sisters, he formed and sang in numerous gospel quartets, sharing their voices in churches and at funerals throughout the years. Through song and testimony, he encouraged believers and proclaimed the hope found in Christ.

He is survived by his sons David Brasher (Chris), Eric Brasher (Jackie), and Neal Brasher; his grandchildren Erica Britt (Lee), Samuel Brasher (Emily), Daniel Brasher (Holly), Sophie Cox (Daniel), and Lizzie Brasher; his great-grandchildren Kensie Britt, Katherine Britt, Lucy Brasher, Nellie Brasher, and Howard Cox; along with numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, church family, and friends.

Howard loved his Lord and served Him faithfully throughout his life as a pastor, singer, witness, husband, father, grandfather, and friend. Having finished his earthly work, he now worships his Savior in perfection. We rejoice in the hope of that promised day when we will see him again and join him in worshiping and serving the Lord he loved and faithfully proclaimed.

There will be a visitation at Bolton's Funeral Home in Columbiana at 1:00 pm on Tuesday January 13, 2026 with a funeral service to follow at 2:00 pm. The burial will be at Shelby Garden of Rest following the service.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to the Alabama Baptist Children's Home or The Gideons.