Larry D. Howard, 75, Savannah, Missouri, passed away Monday, October 9, 2023, at Mosaic Life Care, surrounded by his loving family.

Larry was born on October 6, 1948, in Hamburg, Iowa, to the late Hugh “Dot” Howard and Wanda (Blankenship) Howard. He was a graduate of Hamburg High School and attended Clarinda Junior College.

Larry worked most of his life in the automotive industry as a parts manager and retired in 2016 from Dean Machinery.

On April 8, 1983, he married Rhonda Coats. They made their home in Rock Port, Missouri, with their two daughters, Laurie and Dawn, and welcomed their son, Zach, to the family in 1984. In 1989, Rhonda and Larry moved to Savannah.

Larry was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather, and loved his dogs and fish. He will be remembered for his love of life, the joy he brought to all who knew him, and his infectious smile. He could often be found piddling in the garage or tinkering with small engines. He was an avid collector, especially of model cars and baseball cards.

In addition to his parents, Larry was preceded in death by his wife, Rhonda, and great-grandson, Seth Howard. Larry is survived by his three children, Laurie Thompson (Chris), Dawn Howard, and Zach Howard (Amberly); seven grandchildren, Steve Howard, Dom Wilkinson, Carson Thompson, and Holden, Hudson, Henley, and Harris Howard; niece and nephews, Josh, Riley and Abby; best friend “brother,” Larry Clayton; as well as additional family members and friends.

Funeral services were held Friday, October 13, 2023, at Heaton-Bowman-Smith Savannah Chapel. Interment was at Bennett Lane Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the St. Joseph Animal Shelter.