Date of Death: December 3, 2019

Service Details

A public service will be held on Monday, December 16, 2019 from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at the Joco Center, 805 Wood Street, Three Rivers, MI 49093.

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Obituary Notice

Herbert Howard “Herb”, age 79, of Three Rivers passed away on December 3, 2019 at his daughter’s home surrounded by his family and special friend, Angie Chitwood after a lengthy illness.  He was born on September 28, 1940 in Columbus, GA the son of Morris and Evelyn (Pilgrim) Howard.

Herb made Three Rivers his home thirty years ago with his wife Janice (White) Howard.  He was employed for many years at the Three Rivers Inn, Super 8, and for the last twelve years, Americas Best Value Inn of Three Rivers.  He was a devoted member and Past President of Three Rivers Lions Club along with current President of River Country Tourism Council.  He also managed Sauganash Golf Course Food and Beverage along with P.J’s Bar & Grill.

A hard day’s work was important to him from the young age of sixteen until his health declined in March of 2019. Herb was an avid reader his entire life and piecing together many puzzles was a joy for him and kept his mind off work related duties.  He also enjoyed playing cards with a special group of male friends on Friday nights.

Together he and Janice worked side by side in the hospitality industry for many years.  They traveled when able and were the best of friends throughout their forty six year marriage. Herb had an enormous heart and generosity that included donating his time and money to anyone in need especially during the holiday season by adopting families and purchasing gifts for children as well.  Most of all, Herb was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather who faithfully cherished his time with family and friends.

He was preceded in passing by his parents.

Surviving is his wife of forty six years, Janice Howard of Three Rivers; daughters, Laurie (Ken) Wilcox of Three Rivers, and Kelly (Ron) Copenhaver of Pleasanton, CA; son, Steven (Gina) Adcock of Holly Springs, GA; sister, Iris Phillips of Douglasville, GA eight grandchildren and five great grandchildren.

Additional Information

Memorial donations in Herb’s memory may be directed to The Howard Family c/o Janice Howard.   Envelopes available at Hohner Funeral Home in care of arrangements.

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8 Comments

  1. We have lost such a true southern gentleman. I got to know Herb when serving on the River Country Tourism Council. What an experience, what a journey, what laughs and fun along the way. I will so miss him, and his frequent visit for a good tomato to our farm. Rest in peace, hope there is a tomato garden there.

  2. I consider Herb a mentor and also a wonderful friend.

    Through the River Country Tourism Council, he told me all about the hospitality industry for the smaller hotels and motels. We frequently discussed what we could and could not market. He helped me enormously.

    He introduced me to the motorcoach touring industry. When he was trying to convince me to put my eggs in this basket, he said: ‘Rose, you got the personality and the gift of gab (he used a different word!!!), you’ll be such a success at touring folks around. Then bring ’em to my hotel. ‘ He gave me the playbook and told me the pros and cons of bus travel. He then lent me his 2 inch book of tours that he ran, which gave me fresh ideas.

    Through Herb, I met Janice, his very charming wife who introduced me to Southern sayings when Herb “cranked the car” if he was “fixing to go somewhere.” Civil War and Yankee vs Confederate viewpoints was an interesting topic that we discussed at least once a week. I also got to meet his wonderful daughter Laurie.

    I thank the Lord that I was able to see Herb on the Friday before Thanksgiving. He was chipper, in a great mood and we laughed as we shared stories. He did a lot for me. I hope to see you in that pink Cadillac someday Herb.

  3. Janice, my prayers are sent to you during this very sad and difficult time. I have such great memories of both of you when I was a Lion and lived in Three Rivers. Herb will be greatly missed by all the people that were in his life.
    Judy Gilchrist-Mohney, Stayton, Oregon. He was always smiling and helpful and made a great difference in all of our lives.

  4. Not, how did he die, but how did he live?
    Not, what did he gain, but what did he give?
    Nor what was his church, nor what was his creed?
    But had he befriended those really in need?
    Was he ever ready, with words of good cheer, to bring back a smile, to banish a tear?
    These are the units to measure the worth of a man as a man.
    Not what did the sketch in the newspaper say, but how many were sorry when he passed away?
    ~Anonymous

    Rest in painfree peace my dear funny, smart, caring friend. You are one in a million and I have your laugh instilled in my heart. Until we meet again, on a deck overlooking a beach, drink in hand,

    Prayers of strength and hugs of comfort to Janice and family. Know that memories you treasure will eventually bring Joy.

    • Ill never forget you herb aka superman my hero. Until next time..u go bossing things around up there ok? I compare every man to u And if He Does not possess the qualities that you , they’re not a candidate for a relationship. I love for their relationship that you and Janice your soulmate Have had for each other all these many Years. Fly high Boss. I’ll be missing you.

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