Kevin Bryan Howard

Kevin Brian Howard transitioned peacefully into the arms of God, February 05, 2020, at his home in Ann Arbor, Michigan.              

Born June 21, 1956, Kevin was the first child of Charles and Johnnie Marie (Johnson) Howard. He was a happy, bright-eyed baby; a very active and curious toddler; and an adventurous and outgoing teen.

Kevin attended Benton Harbor Public Schools and grew up in a large, loving, extended family in a small, close-knit community where everybody knew everybody. As secure as he felt in that setting, as he grew older, Kevin was eager to experience life in the “big city" and to “spread his wings". So he did just that.  As a young adult, Kevin lived and worked in Detroit, Los Angeles, Atlanta, and Grand Rapids, eventually settling in Ann Arbor, Michigan, joining his mother, siblings, and other family who had moved there.

Although he was baptized as a child at Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church in Benton Harbor, after he moved to Ann Arbor, Kevin reunited with Christ and joined New Hope Baptist Church where Dr. A. J. Lightfoot was pastor. To know Kevin Howard was to know his passion—those things he dearly and passionately loved. Kevin KNEW and LOVED God.

Kevin LOVED his family and especially enjoyed the family gatherings - holidays, birthdays, cookouts - eating and hanging out with his many, many relatives. An avid sports fan, Kevin LOVED the Benton Harbor Tigers, the Detroit Tigers, Detroit Lions, and the University of Michigan Wolverines. Regardless of their record, stats, or season's standing, he remained fiercely loyal to his teams.  Kevin knew ALL the players and plays and, coached every single televised game---from his couch—right along with “Bo" and the other coaches!

Kevin LOVED music almost as much as he loved sports. He knew all the oldies and the recording artists as well as the contemporary ones. He was an outstanding dancer and skater and did both exceptionally well.

Kevin LOVED Benton Harbor, visiting family and friends there frequently and for any reason.  Although he had physically left over 35 years ago, his heart always remained there.

Kevin loved life, and all who met and knew him felt that energy. He will be dearly missed by his family and friends.

Preceding Kevin in death are his parents. He leaves to cherish his memory, his son: Thiams (Jamie) Nelson, Jenison, MI, grandchildren: Deprece Irvin, Isaiah Baker, and Maleah Baker; Siblings: Robbin (Ted) Griffin, Tammye Howard, Ann Arbor, Michigan, Debra (Jerome) Matthews, Fishers, Indiana, G. Todd (Amy) Steverson, Ada, Michigan; and a host of nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.

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