Robert James Howard

Robert James (Bob) Howard, 95, of Sioux City, passed away peacefully on Friday, October 11, 2024, at Sunrise Retirement Community. Funeral service will be Friday, October 18, at Westminster Presbyterian Church at 10:30 am with visitation one hour prior. Burial at Memorial Park following the service. Arrangements are being made by Christy Smith Funeral Home.

Robert was born to Ellis and Gertrude (Hegstrom) Howard on September 29, 1929. He was raised on a farm south of Lawton, Iowa and graduated from Lawton High School in 1947.

In 1951 he enlisted in the U.S. Army and served in Korea on motorpool duty. He was honorably discharged in 1954 and returned to the Lawton/Sioux City area. 

On June 22, 1957, Robert was united in marriage to Beverly Erlandson at First Presbyterian Church in Sioux City. Their union was blessed with 3 children: Greg, Renee and Eric. 

Bob worked as an automobile and truck mechanic at Hayes Ford in South Sioux City, NE for many years before working 17 years at IPS/MidAmerican in fleet maintenance. He was the ultimate handyman and could fix and build almost anything, but above all he loved and cherished his wife and family.

Bob was a man of faith and would give a helping hand to anyone if asked. Bob was a long-time member of Westminster Presbyterian Church, serving as an Elder and counted and recorded the offering for decades. 

Those left to cherish his memory include his wife Bev; son Greg of Sioux City/Cushing; daughter Renee (Tom) Wear of Nicollet, MN; and son Eric (Misty) of Sioux City; Grandchildren: Jennifer, Robbie and Rachelle, Leathen (Lacy), Keegan (Heidi) and Amethyst (Joe): Great-grandchildren: Haydyn, Irelynn and Carver, Paisley and Griffen. He is also survived by many special nieces, nephews, friends and relatives.

Robert was proceeded in death by his parents; brothers Wayne (Lila) and Bennett (Helen); sisters Phyllis (Roy) Beeman and Adeline (John) Riedesel; and several special nieces, nephews, friends and relatives. 

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the family for future designation.