Richard Eugene Howard of Connersville, IN passed away on October 11, 2024, at Reid Health in Richmond, IN at the age of 90.  He was born in Connersville, IN on January 20, 1934, the eldest son of Helen Foreman.

Richard married Valetta Dagy on September 17, 1955, and they shared more than 57 years of marriage until her passing in 2013.  Richard and Valetta shared many loving memories together and they renewed their vows in 2012 at Crosspointe Biker Church in the loving company of their family.

Richard was member of the Eagles Lodge where he and many friends played cards together.  He retired from D&M/WCI as a press operator after many years and worked at American Kitchens.  He loved to fish no matter the weather.  He also enjoyed playing poker and was an avid racecar driver.  Although he had many hobbies, his family remained the most important to him.  He loved spending time with his family for celebrations, holidays, or any other opportunity that would arise.  He enjoyed the company of loved ones while telling stories and making the people he loved laugh.  Most of all he loved creating special memories with his wife and his two daughters, Jerena and Frances.  He enjoyed many vacations with his wife and children visiting from Michigan to South Carolina and all the way to Florida.  They also took many camping trips to enjoy nature.  Richard was an avid outdoorsman and at the age of 65 he hiked the Appalachian Trial for Georgia all the way to Maine, taking him seven months to complete.

Richard's life was filled with absolute love, and he will be cherished by his daughter, Jerena Allen; his grandchildren, Daniel (Bre) Allen, Nicholas (Holly) Allen and Olivia Bunch, in addition to several great grandchildren; his son in law Leonard Bunch; as well as many friends.  Richard expressed immense love for his family and they all will miss him greatly.

Richard is preceded in death by his wife, Valetta "Val" Howard; daughter Frances Bunch; grandson Matthew Allen; brother Robert Howard and son in law, Pat Allen.

Graveside memorial services will be conducted at Dale Cemetery on Saturday October 26, 2024 at 10:30 am.

Urban Winkler Funeral Home is honored to assist Richard's family with the arrangements.