Gerald "Gary" David Howard

Howard, Gerald "Gary" David, died peacefully, Thursday October 14, 2010 ,with friends and family at his side. He is survived by his wife of 39 years, JoAnn Howard, his three sons Christopher David Howard and wife Gen Howard, James Bradley Howard, and Robbie Joseph Howard, two grandchildren Chloe Ann Howard and Gavin Howard, and his brother William Howard (Judi ) and sister Glenda Cooley (Mike) . Gary was born in 1947 in Portsmouth, Ohio to Ivory and Ann Howard. He was a veteran of the Vietnam War serving with the U.S. Army. He came home in 1969 and moved to Louisville, Ky becoming a Louisville City Police Officer. He married his wife JoAnn in 1971, and from there built his family. He always considered his in-laws as his own, Sammy and Cheri Terry, Michael and Robin Terry, Gary Jolly, Dottie and Bill Simmons, and Rosalyn and James Terry. Gary served with the Police Force for thirty years becoming the head of the narcotics division and later Lt. Colonel for the final nine years of his career. He made many good friends during this time, including an adopted mother Gloria Sunshine Taylor. Gary went on to work with the Department of Criminal Justice Training and the U.S. Attorney's Office. He was admired by those he worked with for his honesty and his ability to make the workplace a brighter place. Gary enjoyed working on his farm in Meade County, Kentucky, going almost every weekend to take care of his place. He was an avid Louisville sports fan and enjoyed watching the games with his sons. He always enjoyed spending time with his two grandchildren. Gary was known most of all for his abounding sense of humor that never failed. We will miss his lively stories that always brought a laugh. We will not forget them. And we will miss his guidance, which always seemed to nudge us in the right direction. Gary was diagnosed with Kidney Cancer in July of 2008. He battled the disease relentlessly, with the spirit and bravery he faced all obstacles in his life. His best friend Doug Hamilton was there with us and him from beginning until end and we all thank him. Gary was a man of decency and wisdom. He loved and was loved by his family very much. All who knew him are better for it. We will miss him greatly and know he will be watching over us, telling a few jokes while he is at it. Funeral service will be 12pm Monday at Owen Funeral Home, 5317 Dixie Highway with burial in Resthaven Cemetery. Visitation will be Sunday 12-8 at the funeral home. Expressions of sympathy can be made to the American Cancer Society.