John Vernon Howard, 86, passed away peacefully on January 5, 2026, in Bedford, Texas. He was born on October 31, 1939, in Des Moines, Iowa, to Vernon Martin Howard and Audentia Bea De Long Howard. John was a force of personality. With a love of life, he valued his faith, his family, and friends throughout his incredible life.

Growing up in the Highland Park area of Des Moines, he was proud of his Irish Catholic roots and his neighborhood. Educated in the Catholic school system he attended All Saints Parochial School and Dowling High School in Des Moines. He then went on to study history at St. Ambrose University in Davenport. Although he wanted to teach history, he decided to carry on the family legacy and started a long career with the railroad. John had several jobs early on with the railroad, but early in his career he became the Yardmaster for the Des Moines Union Railroad, a position which he held for over his entire career. He coupled his love and knowledge of history with his passion for researching and acquiring railroad and Civil War antiques. 

Anyone who visited him was given a tour of “his room”, where he kept his museum-like collection. His interest in history extended to genealogy. He enjoyed researching historical records and building the family tree. John was an avid outdoorsman; there wasn’t a tree he couldn’t name or a bird he couldn’t identify by looks or song. Although he enjoyed duck hunting with his father and grandfather in his younger years, fishing is what John loved the most. There was no better angler on lake, pond, or river when he had a rod in his hand. He loved to share his fishing knowledge with his children and later his grandchildren. He was known to gloat if he caught more than you did. He belonged to many organizations and groups including the Railroad Yardmasters of America, Knights of Columbus, the Kentucky Rifle Association, and the Fly Tiers Club.

John was a uniquely genuine human being. With his striking blue eyes, silver tongue, sharp wit, and occasional orneriness, he always made a lasting impression with anyone he met. John easily made friends and never met a stranger. He maintained many of those connections throughout his life. Although nothing pleased him more than to sit back and watch the reaction from family and friends when he “stirred the pot,” with the timing of a master instigator. He loved being with his family and especially loved Sunday family dinners. He was an equal opportunity eater, always enjoying a ribeye, fried chicken or catfish. His favorite meal was a good cheeseburger, a diet coke with a bit of whiskey mixed in, and anything Jenny made for dessert.

A loving and devoted father, John raised his three children - Susan Wilhide, Jennifer Sparks, and Timothy Howard—with care, humor, and affection. He was immensely proud of his five grandchildren: Logan Wilhide, Jacob Wilhide, Connor Howard, Casey Howard, and Gabrielle Howard, as well as his six great-grandchildren. When he was with them, John’s playful, childlike spirit shone brightly, creating memories filled with love and laughter.

Above all else, the greatest love of John’s life was his beloved wife, Carole Ann Evans Howard. Married for 61 years, their love was steadfast, joyful, and enduring. They truly danced together all the way until the end, a reflection of the deep bond they shared. John showed tremendous dedication, tenderness, and care for Carole—she was his whole world, and his devotion to her was evident to all who knew them.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association in John’s honor.