Richard "Dick" Howard

Richard W. "Dick" Howard, 92, a lifetime resident of Upland, IN, went home to be with the Lord on Friday, April 11, 2025. He had been a resident of the University Nursing Home, Upland, IN, since May of 2023.

Dick was born March 25, 1933, into a Christian family on a farm called Rolling Acres in Monroe Township to the late Thomas and Mable (Holloway) Howard. He was a 1952 graduate of Jefferson High School, Upland, IN, and served in the Army from 1953-1955. On September 25, 1955, he married the love of his life, Peggie Jean Owen. She preceded him in death on June 28, 2019.

Dick owned and operated the Upland Standard Oil Station (currently the Marathon Station) and later the Dick Howard Ford Dealership (currently the Upland Fire Station). He sold the Ford garage to the town of Upland and began a new season as a building heating/cooling supervisor for the Indiana State Police in 1981. He retired in September of 2001 from the Indiana State Police maintenance department after 20 years of service.

Dick continued to stay active by working for Robert Jones and Dennis Smith at Jones-Smith Funeral Home in Upland, IN. He was an active community leader, serving on the Upland Town Council and volunteering on the Upland Volunteer Fire Department. He also assisted Bob Jones with the ambulance service that operated out of the funeral home. He was involved with the Upland Civil Defense and the Upland American Legion Post, as well.

He was a master craftsman, building and repairing clocks for the many who "stopped in" to visit the clock "hobbyist." Dick also created stringed instruments and wood carvings. He and Peggie enjoyed riding short jaunts together on his motorcycle, and he especially enjoyed his weekly motorcycle rides with his brother, Herb.

He attended the First Christian Church, Gas City, IN, for many years where he and Peggie, along with their daughters and Peggie's parents, were involved with the music ministry. Dick also taught an adult Sunday school class. After 54 years, Peggie "retired" from playing the organ and piano, after which they were led to the Upland Community Church.

Survivors include 2 daughters, Pam (Larry) Stump, Upland, and Patsy (Dan) Bryant, Marion, as well as precious grandchildren: Adam (Mary) Stump, Whitney (James) Blair, Dawn Stump, Peter Bryant, Emily (Matt) Bernaix, Elizabeth (Gage) Kelly, Olivia Bryant, and Andrew Bryant.

Great-grandchildren include Melissa Stump, Sophie, Anna, and Claire Blair, Jacob, MacKenzie, and Truett Bernaix, and Brinley Kelly. Dick is also survived by his remaining sibling, brother Herb Howard from Upland.

Preceded in death were Dick's parents, Thomas and Mabel, wife, Peggie, and six siblings: Helen Banter-Todd, Walter Douglas Howard, Della Mae Ertel, Thomas Leon "Chuck" Howard, Anna Louise Himelick, and Robert Howard.

Services for Dick have been entrusted to the Jones-Smith Chapel Armes-Hunt Life Celebration Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 259 N. Main St., Upland, IN. The family will receive friends from 5-7 PM, Tuesday, April 15, 2025, at the Upland funeral home, and again from 10-11 AM, Wednesday, April 16, 2025, at the Upland Community Church, 439 W. Berry St., Upland, IN. A life celebration service will begin at 11:00 AM, officiated by Pastors Mark Biehl and Dan Blosser. Interment will be in the Jefferson Cemetery with military honors.

Dick Howard's family are incredibly thankful for the tender and compassionate care given by the staff of the Upland University Nursing Center. Their care extended to each of Dick's family as they came to visit. Their kindness will remain with the family long past this time of grief and celebration.

Memorial Contributions may be given to the Helping Hands Ministry, 64 Railroad St., Upland, IN, 46989

Memories and condolences may be made at www.armeshuntfuneralhome.com