Billy Wayne Howard

Billy Wayne “Uncle Bill” Howard, 72, Liberty Mills, Indiana, passed away April 16, 2021 at Parkview Regional Medical Center, Fort Wayne, Indiana. He was born in Wabash, Indiana on November 21, 1948 to Hatcher and Esther Myrtle “Shorty” (McKinley) Howard. Later, his parents divorced and each remarried. Hatcher married Mary E. (Bowers), and Esther married Virgil Everett Long.

In 1970 at the age of twenty-one, Billy married Verdie Bragg on January 24th. The two were married for fifty-one years and had four sons: Billy, Shane, Kenny, and Travis. On May 25, 2008 Billy and Verdie faced their hardest day when their son, Travis Jerrid Howard passed away.

Billy worked hard to provide for his family. He started working at Peabody Seating Company and then worked for Warner Manufacturing for twenty-five years before medical problems forced him to retire in 1985. After retiring, Billy enjoyed woodworking in his shop. He became very skilled at the craft and made anything from corner cupboards, television stands and baby cribs to clocks and kids’ toys.

Billy had a deep passion for music. For over twenty-five years Billy played in a few different bands but spent the most time with The Deceivers, where he was the lead singer. He also played guitar. If Billy wasn’t playing music somewhere, he enjoyed being home with his family and being in his shop. He also relished in his time watching old Westerns. The greatest quality Billy possessed was his ability to help anyone in need. It didn’t matter if he knew someone or not, he just wanted to be a helpful hand for people. Billy embraced the saying “a happy wife is a happy life.” He was always a loving husband who ensured his wife had everything she needed. He could often be heard saying, “Yes dear,” and had incredible patience with everyone. Though Billy didn’t attend church on a regular basis, he was a strong believer in Christ. 

The loving memory of Billy “Uncle Bill” Howard will be forever cherished by his wife of fifty-one years, Verdie Howard, Liberty Mills, Indiana; sons, Billy (Tammy) Howard, North Manchester, Shane (Shelly) Howard, North Manchester, and Kenny Howard, Liberty Mills; brother, Ralph (Dorothy) Howard, North Manchester, step-sisters, Mary Louise Billingsley, Judith I. Stellar, and Gladys L. Smith; thirteen grandchildren; twelve great-grandchildren; and many people who called him “Uncle Bill.” Billy was preceded in death by his parents, Hatcher (Mary E.) Howard and Esther (Virgil) Long; and son, Travis Jerrid Howard.

Family and friends may call Thursday, April 22, 2021 from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at McKee Mortuary, 1401 State Road 114 West, North Manchester, Indiana. Funeral services for Billy will begin Friday, April 23, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. with calling beginning at 10:00 a.m. at McKee Mortuary. Pastor J.P. Freeman will officiate. A carry-in dinner will be held at The Firehouse, 108 West Main Street, North Manchester, Indiana, following the service. Food can be dropped off at The Firehouse on Friday after 9:30 a.m.

For those who wish to honor the memory of Billy “Uncle Bill” Howard, a love offering may be made to McKee Mortuary, 1401 State Road 114 West, North Manchester, Indiana 46962, to assist with final expenses.

The family of Billy Howard has entrusted McKee Mortuary with final arrangements.  

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