John Ronald Howard,90, of Merritt Island, Fl passed away peacefully at his home after a courageous and
miraculously pain free fight with cancer.
He was born in Canton, GA the day after Christmas in 1932. A graduate of Georgia Tech, he was a true
rocket scientist who started his career in the aerospace industry in its founding years. He worked on the
Mercury, Gemini, Apollo, and Shuttle programs as well as the Trident Missile program. He spent his
retirement years doing what he loved and faced each day with a smile and positive spirit. He enjoyed his
church family, followed by a great lunch after service, his Friday morning breakfast bunch, and cruising
every chance he could. If a cruise was mentioned, his next words were sign me up.
His absolute greatest joy was his family. He spent many Friday nights with Leslie and Eric for movie night,
dinners with Shelley and Richard at their home, and he loved his hot wings with Mike and Connie. His
love was immeasurable, and time with his family was the only gift he ever wanted. He was known for his
incredible faith, unwavering positivity, and his truly beautiful smile. When others would come to lift his
spirits, they would leave being the ones lifted.
He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Ruth Howard, his brother Raydeen, his wife and
mother of his children, Johnella, and second wife, Linda. He is survived and will be forever missed by his
son Michael Howard and daughter-in-law, Connie, his daughter Shelley Dishong and son-in-law Richard,
his daughter Leslie Hunstad and son-in-law Eric. He also leaves behind his grandchildren, Justin Dishong,
Brittany Mullon and her husband, Ian, and his great granddaughter, Clara Mullon.
A memorial service celebrating his life will be held on Saturday, Nov 25th at Island Community Church on
Merritt Island at 11:00am.
Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though
they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die.”
Should friends feel led, memorial donations can be made to Island Community Church.