Walter Raymond Howard, 80, passed Tuesday, September 25, 2108 with his family by his side.  Born in Beverly, Kentucky, he was a son to the late Elmer and Emma Howard. He followed his brothers up here to find work.  Walter married Janice on, August 22, 1959 and they raised their family here in Fort Wayne.  He was a retired truck driver for USF Holland Motor Freight.  Walter was a member of the First Assembly Church of God.  Walter loved the outdoors, hunting, fishing and camping with his family.  They camped at Atwood Lake Campground.  Walter and Janice traveled, they took cruises and enjoyed their Florida home.  He will be missed; he was always a Kentucky gentleman to his wife, loving daddy and papaw.

He is survived by his devoted wife of 59 years, Janice Howard; sons, Michael (Laura) Howard and Jeffrey Howard; brother, Hebert Howard; 5 grandchildren, Kara (Dan) Peterson, Coral Howard, Brennan Howard, Jordan Howard and Corey Garner; 4 great grandchildren, EJ, AZ, Briggs, Emma and with another on the way, Gabriel; his furry friend Hannah.

He was preceded in death by siblings, Bronson Howard, Georgie Mosley and Nancy Kruse.

Funeral is 1 p.m., Saturday, September 29, 2018 at Covington Funeral Home, 8408 Covington Road, with calling one hour prior to the service.  Officiating will be Pastor Joe Simpson.  Calling is also 3-7 p.m., Friday, September 28, 2018 at the funeral home.  He will be laid to rest at Covington Memorial Gardens.  Preferred memorials are to A.S.P.C.A. or Fort Wayne Rescue Mission.