Earl "Buddy" Howard

Earl “Buddy” Howard, Jr. passed away on Tuesday, October 7, 2025, at his home at the age of 76. He was the husband of Donna Johnson Howard for 53 years and father of Dawn Howard Welch (Danny) and Melinda Howard Watts (Mike Fry & son Michael). Buddy was the son of the late Earl Howard, Sr., and Roberta Gaines Howard and the stepson of the late Christine Howard. He is survived by grandsons Devon Watts (Veronica Hutt) and Gabriel Watts (Holly) and granddaughter Riley Welch (Alex Sword). His great-granddaughter is Saylor Wren Watts and another great-granddaughter is to be born in February. He is also survived by his brother Greg Howard (Keene) of Lexington. Connor Bardroff was a special “little dude” for whom he and Donna babysat for many years. Buddy was a life-long resident of Frankfort graduating from Franklin County High School in 1967 and attending Kentucky State University. He also graduated from Eastern Kentucky University’s Law Enforcement Academy. Buddy retired from the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources as a Conservation Officer for over 30 years. He loved his job and made many friends while they were out hunting, fishing, or just enjoying the great outdoors. He was chosen by his peers for the Fish and Wildlife Shakar Safari Award. He received many other awards during his career including the Frankfort Sportsmen’s Club Outstanding Sportsman of The Year, Frankfort Jaycees’ Outstanding Man of the Year, and House of Representatives Outstanding Service to the Community. He also ran Howard’s Lawn Service in Frankfort for many years. But his favorite and most important job was that of husband, father, grandfather, brother and other family roles he played. He always said he didn’t need gifts, just time spent with his family. They agree that he was fantastic at this job. Buddy was past president and longtime member of the Capital City Classic Auto Club and member of the Frankfort Mustang Club. He could always be found at a cruise-in or car show any time during the warmer months. He was proud of his classic car collection that consisted mostly of Ford Mustangs. He was also a member of the American Legion Post 7 and proudly served in the US Army National Guard for 6 years. He was a member of Memorial Baptist Church. Buddy enjoyed traveling the USA, especially “Out West.” He wanted to be a cowboy in his younger years, and he loved the mountains. Many memories were made during these trips with family and friends. Besides his car collection, he also collected 30+ life-sized animated monsters from the movies. There was always good family fun during the Halloween season. The family would like to thank his caregiver Hannah and Bluegrass Care Navigators for their comfort and care during his final days. A funeral service will be held at Harrod Brothers Funeral Home in downtown Frankfort on Friday, October 10, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. with Pastor Mike Colston officiating. Burial will follow at Sunset Memorial Gardens. Visitation will be at Harrod Brothers Funeral Home from 11:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. on Friday. Serving as pallbearers will be Devon Watts, Gabriel Watts, Riley Welch, Danny Welch, Mike Fry, Alex Sword and Connor Bardroff. Arrangements are under the direction of Harrod Brothers Funeral Home & Crematory.

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Earl "Buddy" Howard

August 3, 1949 - October 7, 2025