Stephen H. Howard, Jr.

Stephen Harold Howard, Jr. "Stevie" "Stevo" was born January 27, 1967 to Claudia Louise Merchant and Stephen H. Howard Sr. in Middletown, OH. He departed this life unexpectantly, August 23, 2025.

Stevie was raised and educated in Middletown where he attended Middletown City Schools and was very active in sports, football being his favorite. He graduated from Middletown High School in the class of 1985.

As a veteran of the United States Army, Stevie proudly served his country with honor from 1985 to 1994 and visited Korea and Honduras as part of his stationed assignments. While serving his second term, Stevie returned home to marry the love of his life, Valerie Langster on March 3, 1990, and they began a life together, creating beautiful memories. He was a great father to three wonderful children who he loved and cared for dearly. Stevie was an amazing brother, uncle, cousin and friend, always showing and expressing his love to them all.

Stevie's greatest joy was spending time with his children, family and friends, watching football games, always telling jokes, fishing, playing cards and dominoes, and of course his favorite, singing and listening to music. He knew just about any and every song like the artist of group, the title of the album and he would even know the year the song or album was released.

Stevie's beautiful, infectious smile always brightened the room when he entered, and he never met a stranger. He was a compassionate man with strong morals, principles and integrity. He was funny and could make you laugh until you cry. Every moment was always full of fun and laughter through sharing jokes and old childhood stories with longtime friends. He didn't like foolishness, but if you needed him, Stevie was there.

 As a devoted Pittsburgh Steelers and Michigan Wolverines fan, Stevie cherished game days and was always ready to debate his points of view with a competitive spirit.

He was preceded in death by his parents: Claudia Louise Merchant and Stephen Harold Howard Sr.

 Stevie leaves to cherish his memories: his loving wife of 35 years, Valerie Howard; children: Veronica Howard, Stephen H. Howard III and Makenzie Mobley-Howard; brother and best friend, Marc Howard (Ramelle): brother, Will Owens; sister: Celia Owens; special nieces and nephews: Kourtnee Howard, Lil Marc T. Howard, M.J. Howard and Amari Howard and a host of cousins, extended family and friends. Stevie's kindness, generosity and unwavering love to his family will never be forgotten.

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