Timothy Howard

STRUTHERS - Funeral services will be held Saturday at 2 p.m. at the Higgins-Reardon Funeral Homes, Poland Chapel, for Timothy G. Howard, 52, who passed away Saturday morning, Sept. 26, 2015, at home, after a seven-year battle with ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig's Disease.

Timothy was born June 7, 1963, and was the son of Chester and Yvonne (Curry) Howard.

He was a 1981 graduate of Woodrow Wilson High School and worked as the manager of a dry cleaner business in Frisco, Texas up to the time he took ill in 2008. He moved to Texas in 1985, and resided mainly in the Dallas area.

Timothy was an avid football fan and loved the Dallas Cowboys. His greatest joy though, was his family, especially his children, whom he loved dearly. Timothy loved life and always had a positive outlook on things, regardless of his diagnosis. His relationship with God kept him strong and at ease.

He was a kind-hearted, great-spirited, loving, and far more forgiving individual than most, and will be sadly missed by all who knew him. His sister, Tricia says he had an infectious smile that was always complimented by all. He showed that smile daily, even through all he had to deal with. He was her hero. His relationship with God was one of amazing faith and he found great strength to fight this battle with the Lord's help. "Tim" lived with this disease in such a way that he was an inspiration to everyone, even complete strangers. He was truly a very courageous man and never complained about anything.

Timothy is survived by his daughter, Jennifer Howard Payne of Florida; stepdaughter Marie Garza and her two children of Dallas, whom he raised with his former wife, Melvina; four sons, Dallas Howard of Dallas; Joshua, Jeremiah, and Daniel Howard, all of Houston; three sisters, Gail Gentile of Struthers, Patricia "Tricia" Magazzine; and niece Jenna of Struthers, whom with Timothy made his home; Sandra (Robert) Hetrick of Houston, whom are raising his three youngest children; and four brothers, Russell (Dolly) Howard of Stewart, Fla., Raymond Howard of Lorain, Terry Howard of Tennessee, and Robert Howard of Youngstown.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and three brothers, Donald, Leslie, and Christopher Howard, all of Youngstown.

Family and friends may call Saturday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the funeral home.

The family would like to thank all the staff at the Muscular Dystrophy Association, as well as all the nurses, prior aides and staff at Maxim Healthcare, Legacy Health Care, Home Care with Heart, and family friend, Raquel Heffner, for all the wonderful care and compassion given to Timothy over the years.

Visit www.higgins-reardon.com to send condolences.