Howard passed away peacefully in his sleep in the early morning hours on Saturday, July 31, 2021. He was 84 years old.He was born in Ipswich, South Dakota to Henry and Doris Heitz. He is the oldest out of four siblings. Howard attendedcatholic schools as a youngster then went on to public schools where he graduated. Howard was in the Air Force from 1956 to 1960. He met his wife, Kathy and were married on May 20, 1961, and they remained married for 60 years at thetime of his death. Howard and Kathy were each others soul mates. Howard got a job at Forney Engineering in Carrollton, TX and worked there from October 1967 to when he retired in February 2004.Howard was a devoted husband and father. He was always helping those in need and taking good care of his family. He and his wife would travel all over the country on a motorcycle and they loved the outdoors. He would always leave food out for the "critters" that would come up in their back yard for he thought he needed to feed them. He never knew who would show up for food, for the "critters knew the time he would put food out. He would get visits from possums, raccoons and even skunks but, he didn't care because he wanted to feed them all.People whoknew him knew he was always smiling and joking around. He liked going to the coffee shop just so he could talk to friends who came in there. He had a catch phrase of "Hey" when he would start his conversation with someone on the phone or when he would first see you in person.Howard is survived by his loving wife, Kathy and one daughter, Vicki and her husband, Don; two granddaughters, Kalina and her husband, Dustin, and Monica; one grandson, Shane and husband, Trevor; two great grandchildren, Jack and Olivia, one sister, Elsie; one brother, Allen; very good friends, Frank and Nancy; and many other loved ones. He is preceded in death by both of his parents; one son, James; and 1one brother, Herb.During his last year on this earth before going to be with the passed away he lived in De Soto, TX where he was cared for lovingly by Shane and Trevor.Howard's wife and daughter will always hold Shane and Trevor dear in their hearts for all the care that was done for Howard.In lieu of flowers, please give to your favorite charity or the Dementia Foundationbecause this is what Howard would have wanted.Howard would not want anyone to be sad by his passing but, to talk to him and joke around and laugh!Dear God-I am praying for my dad in Heaven. Help me God for I am struggling with my loss but, I know he is in a better place, at your side. I am grateful that you gave me the best Dad. Tell him I love him, and I know he loves me. In your name, I pray. Amen.Please send your condolences and shareyour memories and laughs about Howard on this website.