Paul R. Howard, 90, was surrounded by his loving family when he passed away on August 13, 2026.

On October 2, 1935, in Warsaw, Paul Richard Howard was born to Ossie and Dora (Craft) Howard. He spent his childhood as one of 7 Howard kids growing up with his 4 sisters and 2 brothers. Paul graduated from Rochester High School with his class in 1954.

On July 1, 1955, Paul was joined in marriage to Phyllis Swanson and together their family tree grew to include the blessings of two daughters and three sons: eight grandchildren and numerous great-grandchildren. Sadly, Phyllis passed away on October 4, 2016.

A lifelong passion for farming, Paul oversaw a herd of 35 - 40 sows annually starting out as feeder pigs and raised them to market. A small herd of Suffolk Sheep could be found grazing in his pasture. Once it was necessary to bottle feed a special little lamb. Paul grew fond of her and named her "Tag-A-Long." She followed Paul everywhere was like a Velcro sheep keeping him company while entertaining his family. Paul was never without a canine at his side. His favorite was a German Shepherd named "Queenie." The two were inseparable taking rides in the truck or hanging out together while tending to chores.

Each spring there was much excitement encountered for all on the farm. Planting season commenced, and Paul was ready to drop his plow seated atop his 1968 Farmall 656. There was nothing better than the smell of the fresh plowed soil. The Howards annually planted corn, soybeans and wheat usually rotating crops. The fall brought on the harvest and most years was favored with a bin buster!

With a strong work ethic, Paul also was employed by Deans Foods for 22 years and is remembered for working at Bob & Jim’s Super Shell on north Main Street in downtown Rochester. In the early years Paul and Phyllis took their kids on camping adventures. Their favorite campsite was Winamac State Park. They took their family on annual 2-week fishing trips to Wisconsin. There were many adventures, memories made, and stories told around their nightly campfires. Gramps Paul and Granny Phyllis were delighted and so proud to follow the grandchildren and more recently the great-grandchildren's athletic activities, athletic events and school concerts.

Paul is lovingly remembered by his daughter, Paula Scholl (Kent) of Warsaw; sons, Brad Howard (Laura) of Auburndale, FL, Jeff Howard (Kelly) of Rochester, Andy Howard (Susan) of Bradenton, FL; grandchildren: J.D. Howard (Dawn), Kendra Andrews, Jr. (David), Shelby Howard (companion, Pat Duncan), Nicole Hines (Justin), Hollie Prater (Bob), Lane Waltz (Ashley), Ryann Waltz; numerous great-grandchildren; two sisters-in-law: Ilene Howard, Ruth Ann Ravencroft; brother-in-law, John Davis; several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Preceding Paul in death are his parents Ossie and Dora Howard; wife, Phyllis; infant daughter Selena Jo Howard; grand-daughter, Sara Pressley; siblings: Finetta Rudd, Carl Howard, Thelma Rudd, Betty Miller, Eileen Davis, Harold Howard; sister-in-law Tish & Kenny Blackburn; and in-laws Helen & Carl Swanson.

A Celebration of Life for Mr. Paul Richard Howard will be held at 11:00 AM, Wednesday, August 19, 2026, in the Good Family Funeral Home, 1200 West 18th Street, Rochester. His family will receive friends on Tuesday evening from 5:00 - 7:00 PM and on Wednesday from 10:00 AM until the time of the service. Mr. Ryan Williams will officiate. Graveside services will follow at the Athens Hoover Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be given to the Fulton County Cancer Fund or the Fulton County Education and Adoption Center. Envelopes are available at the funeral home. Online expressions of sympathy may be made to his family at www.goodfamilyfh.com