Robert “R. G.” Howard, 82, of Erie, IL, died Friday, December 15, 2017, at Unity Point Health-Trinity, Rock Island, IL.
Bob was born March 31, 1935, the son of William and Hazel (Shepherd) Howard at the family home in Erie. He was Dr. Bob LaRue’s first baby delivery. He graduated from high school in Laredo, TX. Bob joined the Army and served in the 82nd Airborne Division. Upon his discharge, he settled in Erie and began working for John Deere Harvester, from which he retired in 1992. He married Sally Ryan at St. Ambrose Catholic Church in Erie. on July 26, 1958. Bob was married to the love of his life for nearly 60 years. He was a loving husband, father and grandfather . Family always came first to Bob. He was a diehard Green Bay Packers and New York Yankees fan. He enjoyed watching Westerns, listened to country music, and was a WWII history buff. Bob enjoyed fishing, golf, and politics and was a strong Democrat. He volunteered on the Erie Fire Department for many years.
He is survived by his wife Sally; children and spouses, Debra (Rick) Beckstrom, Morrison, IL, Michael (Deborah Combs) Howard, Prophetstown, IL, Matthew (Patricia) Howard, Erie, Mark (Carol) Howard, Erie, Mary (Andy) Bebon, Erie, Marty (Jenny) Howard, Erie, Mona Howard and husband Lou Biel, Davenport, IA; 16 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; sister, Mary Alice Curry, St. Paul, MN.
He was preceded in death by his parents and nine siblings, Viola Betts, Dean Howard, Jeanette Besse, Geraldine Cole, Catherine Nation, Bill Howard, Delores Redell, Darrell Howard, and Peggy Mercer.
Visitation will be from 2:00 to 7:00 p.m., on Tuesday, December 19, 2017, at Gibson-Bode Funeral Home, Erie, IL.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m., on Wednesday, December 20, 2017, at St. Ambrose Catholic Church, Erie, IL.
Burial will be in the Fenton Cemetery.
Memorials may be made to the Erie Fire Department or Erie Ambulance Service.
Share a memory or condolence at www.gibsonbodefh.com.