Joe Larry Howard

Rev. Joe Larry Howard, a Dry Ridge resident, passed away at the St. Elizabeth Medical Center in Edgewood, KY on Tuesday, February 28, 2023 at the age of 87.  He was the widower of the late Lola E. Howard and son of the late Vincent and Clara Andrews Howard.

On October 22, 1960, he was united in marriage to Lola Bailey Howard.  He grew up farming and went on to work as a supervisor for Square D for 25+ years.  He was a pastor of the Zion Baptist church in Dry Ridge for 37yrs.  Joe was a U.S. Air Force veteran.  He loved working in his vegetable garden, fishing, hunting, UK Basketball and Cincinnati Bengals.  His family describes him as a laid back, gentle man whom had a great sense of humor and was mild mannered.

His greatest enjoyment came from his grandchildren and great-grandchildren that affectionately called him Pappy.  He was a committed Christian; He faithfully exercised his love for the Lord at Zion Baptist Church in Dry Ridge, where he pastored almost half of his life.

Survivors include two sons: Larry D. (Marketa) Howard of Manchester, KY, Jake R. (Mechelle) Howard of Georgetown, KY; two daughters: Cindy L. (Robert) Rash of Dry Ridge, KY , Pam C. (Mike) Mullins of Williamstown, KY; two brothers: Jerry Howard of Williamstown, KY, Jack Howard of Cardinal, KY; two sisters: Jewel DeGrando of Greensburg, IN, Sharon Henderson of Louisville, KY. Eight grandchildren also survive: Michael (Tamara) Rash, Matthew (Sydnee Webb)Rash, Cheyenne (Cap) Kiser, Bethany (Anthony) Grant, Stephanie Barnes, Cody Mullins, Brody Siler, Brayli Howard, along with 15 great-grandchildren: Bradley Rash, Andrew Rash, Charlie Sanford, Layla Newman, Grace Newman, Zachary Turner, David Joe Turner, Hannah Turner, Kimmy Mullins, Delaney Siler, Arlie Siler, Janet Grant, Wayne Grant, Lindy Kiser, and Chey Kiser. In addition to his wife Lola, Joe was preceded in death by five brothers, Mendle, Vincent “Jr.”, Preston Ray, Vernon and Walter Howard, and two sisters, Christine Barton and Mary Helen Brittain.

Visitation will be Thursday, March 2, 2023 at the Eckler-McDaniel Funeral Home in Dry Ridge, KY from 11am-1pm.  Funeral services will begin at 1pm with Pastor Steve Barton officiating.  Burial with full military honors will be at the KY Veteran’s Cemetery North in Williamstown, KY at 2pm. Memorials are suggested to the Gideon’s International or the Zion Baptist Church.