Howard Charles Brown, 73, born December 11, 1947 in Cleveland, Ohio passed from this life on November 6, 2020 at NHC in Smithville.

Howard was born to Howard Joseph Brown and Lucille Marie Rohde. He was the second child of five. He was preceded in death by his parents and his wife Sandy. 

He is survived by siblings, Marilou (Gary) Butler of Orlando, Florida; Ted (Mary Jane) Brown of Ladson, South Carolina; Chuck Brown of Royal Palm Beach, Florida; and Mike (Heidi) Brown of Palm Springs, Florida. Children: Denise (Phillip) Brown of Skipperville, Alabama; Howard (Michelle) Brown of Fort Pierce, Florida; Laura Brown of Palm Beach Gardens, Florida; Greg (Kerry) Ward of Gainesville, Florida; Matthew (Jane) Brown of Smithville, Tennessee. Grandchildren: Tim (Mari) Brown; Ashley Ward; Jessica Brown; Kyle Ward; Michael (Kayla) Chadwick; Justin (Amy) Chadwick; Matthew (Brandi) Sesco; Cooper Brown; Gabby Ward; Tyler Ward; and Cale Brown. Great-grandchildren: Aaron Yarborough; Josiah Mills; Bryson Chadwick; Levi Chadwick; Tucker Chadwick Whitley Chadwick; Amara Sesco; and Charlie Brown. Several nieces and nephews survive.

Howard grew up in Lake Osborne Estates, Lake Worth, Florida. He served in the United States Navy. He had a passion for planes and earned his pilot license at the age of fifteen. With his talents, he restored a 1955 Ford Crown Victoria which everyone knew as “Vicky”. He met the love of his life Sandra Faye Cooper, and they moved to Smithville, Tennessee in 1985. He and Sandy enjoyed woodworking, building unique items for their home and for family members. Many people got to know Howard and Sandy during their years of installing carpet. Howard has resided the last three years at NHC of Smithville where he gained new friends and family with the Staff of NHC.

At the request of Howard and Sandy, no memorial service will be held. The family will gather in south Florida at a later time to spread their cremains. The family request that in memory of Howard donations be given to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society through DeKalb Funeral Chapel.

DeKalb Funeral Chapel, Smithville, is in charge of arrangements.