He was born Monday, March 19, 1928 in Gary, Indiana. He graduated from Lincoln Christian College and began his ministry in 1953. He devoted 61 years of his life to serving the Lord in churches in Missouri, Illinois, and Alabama-12 years at Spring Road Christian Church and 21 years at First Christian Church in Lanett, retiring March 30, 2014. Howard enjoyed playing golf and watching his children and grandchildren participate in sports. He was a loyal husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend, and he will be greatly missed.

He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Nova; 4 daughters; Janet Merchant, Lora Merchant Joseph, Paula Merchant Mills (Stewart), and Tami Merchant; 3 grandchildren, Jonathan, Jeremy, and Jamey Joseph; 3 sisters, Jean Merchant, Mary Keith, and Evelyn Duffala (Ron); and several nieces and nephews.