Leonard Leroy Howard

Leonard Leroy Howard, 78, of Alma, passed away Thursday, December 24, 2020 at his home. He was born February 11, 1942 in Van Buren to the late William and Alma Howard. He retired from Cox Communications and Jones Truck Lines. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Teri Cunningham; three sisters, Margie Semiche, Helen Hensley, and Bertha Riggs; and three brothers, Buford, Bill, and Joe Howard.

Leonard blessed his family with his standard of courage, life lessons and humor. He lived by an old-fashioned standard of conduct; your word is your bond, mean what you say, work now – play later, hard work never hurt anyone and if you don’t know how to do something, learn how. He set a very high standard for his girls on what to expect from a spouse and taught them what unconditional love is by the example they were shown with the love their parents shared. He always put others before himself, especially his family. Anyone that knew him was a better person for it. He was a Christian and a member of Trinity Baptist Church in Alma.

He is survived by his wife, Linda Howard of the home; two daughters, Tyrina McCain and Tanya Howard, both of Alma; a sister, Ludy Gray of Rudy; two brothers, Troy and Harold Howard, both of Rudy; eleven grandchildren, Chana McDonald, Kassi Shelton, Kyle Kelly, Brooke Harris, Tiara Cunningham, Falon Hanson, Dillion Cunningham, Bailey Hoffsommer, Kayla McCain, Kelsey McCain, and Eli Howard; eight great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews and friends.

Graveside service will be 2:00 p.m. Tuesday, December 29, 2020 at Newberry Cemetery in Alma, under the direction of Edwards Van-Alma Funeral Home of Van Buren, AR.

Pallbearers will be Nick Meadors, Donny Jones, Kyle Kelly, Beau Bowling, Bill Vickery and Scott Cunningham. Honorary pallbearers will be Doyle Hensley and Alton Keller.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Alma Boys & Girls Club, 410 East Main Street, Alma, AR 72921.