Dec. 7, 1933 –

August 22, 2009



Ret. Major Robert S. Howard born Dec. 7, 1933 in Lake Butler, Florida and reared in Live Oak, Florida, passed away at his home on August 22, in Key West after a lengthy illness with his loving wife Jeanne by his side. he was 75 years old.

Bob graduated from Suwannee High and became a disc jockey for WNER Radio Station. He served 10 years in the Army National Guard and was a member of the Florida Highway Patrol. his duty stations included Ocala, Fernandina Beach, Jasper, Gainesville and Miami. He returned to Ocala in 1973 as the District Commander. he spent the last 21 years of his career in Miami as Lieutenant in Troop E and then Captain of Troop K.

He was a member of the Police Benevolent Association, Florida Association of State Troopers, American Association of State Troopers and the Fraternal Order of Police. Bob was instrumental, along with long time friend Gene Watson of UFPD, in starting the first FOP Lodge in Gainesville (Gator Lodge 67).

He is survived by his wife Jeanne Navarro Howard, daughter Lisa Tobin (husband Jim), son Trooper Scott Howard (wife Pam), step-daughter Audrey Schoninger (husband Steve), stepson Michael Bardecki, daughter-in-law Donna Bardecki, brother Dr. Leonard Howard and grandchildren Connor Tobin, Dylan Curran Howard, Taylor Bardecki, and Lauren Bardecki.

He is pre-deceased by his daughter Shannon Kellum, stepson Frank Bardecki, father Worth Howard, mother Molly Howard, stepmother Pauline Howard, brother Lamar Howard and sister Sybil Johns.

Memorial contributions may be made to Police Officers Assistance Trust, 1030 N.W. 11th Ave., Miami, FL 33172 (305-594-6662).

Funeral services will be held at St. Paul’s Episcopalian Church, Key West, on Aug. 26, at 2:30 p.m.



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