Robert Barton Howard
1952-2022
Robert Barton Howard, 70, of Edmond, Oklahoma passed away peacefully February 26, 2022, after a valiant battle with cancer.
Bob was born February 22, 1952, in Lindsay, Oklahoma to Otho and Delois “June” Howard. He grew up in Lindsay and graduated from Lindsay High School in 1970. All through his high school years, he was in the choir and played trombone in the band. He attended East Central State University in Ada and also attended Oscar Rose College and was very active in the Baptist Student Union at both. In college he was involved in intramural sports, and excelled in ping-pong and chess, winning a few championships. He was certified as a radiology technician and worked briefly as an X-ray technician. For a time, he served as an interim preacher at some of the rural churches near Lindsay.
Bob met Susan Phillips in June of 1988. There seems to be a connection between love stories and laundromats, and this one is no different. Bob frequented a laundromat near UCO in Edmond, where Susan worked behind the counter. He noticed her while she was helping kids learn not to wash colors and whites together and she noticed him because he was tall, good looking and had a smile that could light up a room. In no time, they were dating and became inseparable, as they knew immediately they were meant for each other, never to part. They were married December 30, 1988 and their love story lasted over 33 years.
Bob’s most fulfilling job was that of husband and Papaw. He was a rock for Susan, someone she could always lean on-literally and figuratively. He was actively involved in all nine of his grandchildren’s lives and would attend every activity they had. Bob’s love for strategy games rubbed off on his grandsons and he introduced them to chess, the game of Risk, Axis and Allies, Civilization and many others. He loved spending time with the grandkids whenever he could.
From his early years and throughout his life Bob loved sports, especially the Thunder (he never missed a game) and OSU football. He loved a good debate and was never hesitant to state his opinion. He also had an amazing wit and random jokes would come seemingly out of nowhere, which led to him laughing at himself. One of Bob’s favorite past times was gardening. He wanted to plant anything and everything he could think of and always loved being outside.
He was deeply loved and will be greatly missed.
Bob was preceded in death by his father Otho B. Howard
He is survived by the love of his life, Susan K. Howard: son Kenneth Phillips and wife Stacy; son Michael “Tony” Phillips and wife Autumn; his nine grandchildren, Austin Phillips and wife Raina, Drake Phillips, Madison Phillips, Braxton Phillips, Brooklyn Phillips, Kelby Phillips, Elijah Phillips, Gianna Phillips and Caden Phillips. His great-grandchildren include Carson Phillips, Dawson Reiker and baby girl Phillips on the way. He is also survived by his mother June Elkins; his brother Rick Howard and wife Lynne; his brother Jack Howard and wife Karen. As well as many cousins, nieces and nephews, and close friends.
A celebration of his life will be held at Quail Springs Baptist Church, 14613 N. May Ave., Oklahoma City, OK. Friday, March 11, 2022, at one o’clock in the afternoon. Rev Ray Griffin will be presiding.