Ronald Howard

1935 - 2025

Ronald L. "Ron" Howard, 90, of Freeport, Ill., went to his eternal reward on October 2, 2025, after a long illness. He was born July 26, 1935, to Willard (Phil) and Alberta Howard in Danville. He married Phyllis Schmidgall in Normal, Ill., in 1957. Their children are Dr. Daniel (Georgia) Howard of Baltimore, Md., Douglas Howard of Freeport, and Bonnie Delander of Freeport. There are six grandchildren, 12 great grandchildren and one great great-grandchild.

Ron graduated from Danville Junior College, Illinois State University and University of Arizona. He was a teacher in Danville and at College of DuPage, then Superintendent of Schools in Rankin and Pecatonica. After retirement Ron worked with adults at St. Vincents in Freeport; Tom and Joe were always his special friends.

When Ron was in fifth grade in Danville, he was given a Gideon New Testament. None of his family had been attending church, but Ron began going to church and was able to use that Gideon Bible to lead his parents and brother Jake to Christ. The Bible was Ron's guide throughout his life. He loved Gospel hymns, history and spending time with family. He compiled a history book (The Howards of Howard Hollow) for his extended family.

Ron belongs to Gospel Outreach Church, Stephenson County Gideons, Gideons International, and Phi Delta Kappa. There will be no funeral as Ron and Phyllis arranged many years ago for their bodies to be donated to medical science. There will be a memorial at a later date.

Special thanks to Tri-State Home Healthcare and FHN Hospice for their kindness and care.

A memorial has been established as Ron Howard Memorial, Green State Credit Union, 510 S. Park Crest Drive, Freeport, IL 61032.