Richard W. "Bill" Howard

June 4, 1959 - January 22, 2019

Richard W. “Bill” Howard, 59, passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, January 22nd, 2019 at his home in Knoxville, Iowa. Bill was born to the late Richard and Patricia Howard in Des Moines, IA on June 4th, 1959. He was a graduate of Indianola High School and then went on to work at Maytag for most of his life. Bill was a charismatic and caring individual who touched the lives of all who knew him. He was a loving, kind, and loyal son, father, grandpa, brother, and a friend to many never hesitating to lend a helping hand to anyone who needed it. He lived life to the fullest and had many passions however his greatest love was his grandchildren. Bill loved spending time with them and even more so loved telling anyone who would listen about them. The grandkids called him “Pampa” and oh what a great “Pampa” he was. He was so patient and always willing to take the time to teach them life lessons. Whether it was helping teach Madison and Corissa how to bait a hook, Alexis how to ride her bike, or playing zombies with Graclyn, he was there. He cherished every moment he could spend with them, as they did with him. Pampa you will be greatly missed. Bill’s other love was fishing. Being on the water fishing was where he was the most at peace as it provided time to think, as well as a reason not to. Known as “Captain Billy”, it didn’t matter what type whether it was steel head fishing at Lake Michigan, deep sea fishing in the Pacific, or catching walleye and bass at his favorite Pleasantville pond, he loved it. Captain Billy is gone fishing again…in heaven. A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, January 26, 2019 at the Winfield Funeral Home of Knoxville. Bill's family will be present to greet friends and relatives from 1:00 P.M. ~ 3:00 P.M. Words of comfort and special memories will be shared at 3:00 P.M. Bill is survived by his son Dustin (Mandy) Howard, and daughter Melissa (Joe) Glissman; grandchildren Madison Marple, Corissa Marple, Alexis Howard, and Graclyn Glissman; siblings Jackie Bodensteiner, Barbara Howard, Brooke Howard, Michael Coon, Debbie Coon-Hines, and Leslie Garrison; his beloved aunt Ferne Claus as well as a host of nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents Richard and Patricia Howard, and sister Jean Harrier. Bill will always be remembered for his kind heart, charm, and great sense of humor. Whatever we knew you as whether it be Richard, Bill, Pampa, or Captain Billy we will miss you dearly.