Howard died in December, 2017 at age 75. He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Judy, his two daughters and two grandchildren. He graduated from Roosevelt University with a degree in Business-Finance and attended law school at DePaul University. After working as an investment banker in Chicago, he moved to Decatur to manage the family business, Decatur Super Liquor. He enjoyed a later-in-life career as a realtor. Howard was an avid reader, loved brain teasers, studied Mandarin, and was an active temple member.