William Patrick Howard

William Patrick Howard, 77, passed away on September 28, 2025. A devoted husband, father,

grandfather, and man of unwavering faith, Pat was known for his deep convictions, love of

learning, and lifelong service to his family and church.

Pat was born on November 27, 1947, in Winnipeg, Manitoba, to Willard Fyfe Howard and

Shirley June Begley. He spent much of his life in Michigan and attended Owosso High School

before beginning a long and respected career as a train dispatcher for Grand Trunk Western

Railroad, where he worked for over 30 years.

Pat proudly served in the United States Army, stationed in Korea during the Vietnam War. His

enduring sense of duty and discipline became the foundation of a life marked by integrity and

purpose. On August 21, 1996, he deepened his devotion to the country he served by becoming

a United States citizen-a milestone that reflected his commitment to the values he held dear.

A man of deep spiritual conviction, Pat was baptized into The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-

day Saints on November 17, 1962, and spent the rest of his life in faithful service through

numerous church callings.

Pat married the love of his life, Katherine "Kitty" Mae DeLong, on June 24, 1972, in Owosso,

Michigan. Just a few days later, on June 28, they were sealed for time and all eternity in the Salt

Lake City Temple, beginning a lifelong partnership rooted in faith, devotion, and enduring love.

Pat had a curious mind and a passion for knowledge. He was an avid reader of nonfiction, a

thoughtful writer, a student of the U.S. Constitution, and a lifelong learner. He found joy in

music, cooking, gospel study, building a model train set in his later years, and sharing meals out

with his beloved wife.

Pat was a family man-a pillar of strength, humility, and love to all who knew him. He is

preceded in death by his parents, brother Mike Howard, and brother-in-law Eugene

Hemgesberg. He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Katherine; their five children, Julie (Dave)

Rickard, Brian (Amanda) Howard, Andrea Howard, Geoffrey (LaNae) Howard, and Stephanie

Howard; their 13 grandchildren, Brandon (Alex) Rickard, Shannen (Ty) Skinner, Elizabeth and

William Rickard; Ella, Vivien, Maximilian, Frederick, and Alexander Howard; Jacob, Carter, and

Anna Howard; his siblings, Arleigh (Joe) Heagany, Rena (Dan) Scollon, Laurie Hemgesberg,

and Jay (Susan) Howard.

Pat's legacy is best seen in the lives of his children and grandchildren, in his example of

discipleship to his Savior, Jesus Christ, and in his tireless devotion to truth, faith, and family.

A viewing will be held on Friday, October 3, 2025, from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. at McGeehan Funeral

Home, located at 316 W. Broad Street, Chesaning, MI 48616. Funeral services will take place

on Saturday, October 4, 2025, at 12:00 p.m. at the Owosso LDS Chapel, 1588 North Hickory

Road, Owosso, MI 48867, with a viewing beforehand beginning at 10:30 a.m.

Floral tributes are welcome and may be delivered to McGeehan Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Howard Family Go Fund Me.