Joseph Leonard Howard, 80, of Whitesville passed away Saturday, June 24, 2023 at his beloved family farm. Leonard was born December 15, 1942, to the late Joseph Orval and Mary Golda Smith Howard. He was a long time member of St. Lawrence Catholic Church. He was a Navy Veteran, serving 4 years of military service. After returning home, he worked at Mullen and Haynes Drug Company in Owensboro, KY; then he went to work at G. E. Warehouse also in Owensboro. He worked at NSA (Century Aluminum) for 30 years, until his retirement. After his retirement he spent most of his time with his wife, Eva and their kids and grandkids, working on the family farm. Leonard was an avid bird hunter, loved being on his John Deere Tractor and taking care of his cows.
Leonard loved watching the Game Show Network on TV, especially Wheel of Fortune. He was a big fan of the Golf Channel (even though he never played the game in his life). He also enjoyed the History Channel. Leonard was a big charity giver, especially to St. Jude, Salvation Army and Catholic Extension.
In addition to his parents, Leonard was preceded in death by a brother, Leo Howard and 3 sisters, Grace Dyer, Eleanor Wathen and Rita Szemethy.
Survivors include his devoted wife of 53 years, Eva Millay Howard, a son, Neil (Tracy) Howard, daughter, Marla (Willie) Smith, five favorite grandchildren, Zach Howard (fiancée Kalie), Shawna (Ryan) Wilson, Kate Howard, Shelby (Colton) Lanham and Aaron Howard; 2 great grandsons, Grayson and Grant; 2 brothers Marty and Ed Howard; a sister, Sr. Ann Marie Howard and numerous caring nieces, nephews and in-laws.
The family requests expressions of sympathy take the form of donations to St. Lawrence Church.
A funeral Mass will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, June 29, 2023, St. Lawrence Catholic Church in Knottsville with burial following at St. Lawrence Cemetery. Visitation will be from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, June 28, 2023 with prayers at 6:00 p.m., at Cecil Funeral Home in Whitesville, KY