Roger Thomas Howard was born on July 22, 1953, in Benkelman, Nebraska, to Thomas and Karolyn (Stute) Howard. He was baptized and confirmed at the Zion Lutheran Church in Benkelman, Nebraska. Roger grew up in Max, Nebraska and graduated from Benkelman High School in 1971.
After high school, Roger attended an airline ticketing school in Miami, Florida. He then returned to Max to begin a construction career in the tri-state area. Roger’s first marriage blessed him with two daughters: Heather and Megan. They lived on the family farm just east of Max. His career moved him to Ft. Collins, Colorado, to St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands and finally to North Platte, Nebraska, where he worked as a general contractor. Roger and Regina added two sons, Cody and Ryan, to complete their family. They were united in marriage on March 1, 2019.
He will be remembered for his infectious laugh, golfing with friends and time spent tending to his garden and flowers. His love of golf took him to many Central and Southwest Nebraska golf courses. Daily phone calls with his brother Kevin were an important part of his day. He was blessed with a talent for carpentry and shared that with many of his customers. Roger worked for Select Tile & Carpet in North Platte before retiring to Harlingen, Texas, with wife Regina. His passion for golf continued at many courses in South Texas.
Roger departed this life on November 13, 2023, in Harlingen, Texas. He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Richie Howard.
He is survived by his wife, Regina of Harlingen, Texas; daughters Heather (Brady) Howard of Santa Rosa, California and Megan (Brock) Peters of Celine, Ohio; sons Cody Howard of North Platte, Nebraska and Ryan Howard of Lincoln, Nebraska; step-daughter Chrystal Lowe of North Platte, Nebraska; sister Deb (Monte) Nordhausen of Wauneta, Nebraska; brother Kevin (Shelli) Howard of Omaha, Nebraska; grandchildren Dara Brester, Sofia Navarro, Haven, Heartley, Sadie and Daxton Schwartz; MaKenna and Braelyn Ashmore; Bexley and Kinsley Peters; and Ryleigh Howard; step-grandchild Jazmyn Keup.
Funeral services will be held Tuesday morning, November 21, 2023, at 10:30 am at the Zion Lutheran Church in Benkelman.