Robert W. “Bob” Howard was born on August 27, 1950, in Blackwell, Oklahoma, to Winston Earl and Dorthy Lynn (Dalton) Howard. He passed away on Sunday, June 22, 2025, at the Weatherford Regional Hospital in Weatherford, Oklahoma, surrounded by family, at the age of 74. Bob graduated from Putnam City High School and went on to earn an associate degree from Redlands Community College. He lived in Oklahoma City for many years and married the love of his life, Royalia Hudson, on October 28, 1978, in El Reno, Oklahoma. Throughout his career, Bob held numerous roles in service to his community. He managed Anthony’s Department Stores in both Oklahoma City and El Reno, served as a reserve police officer for Oklahoma County, and worked as a Deputy Sheriff for Canadian County. He played a key role in establishing the Reserve Officer Program for the El Reno Police Department. Later, he became the owner and operator of Canadian Arms in El Reno and Howard’s Indoor Gun Store and Range in Oklahoma City. After retirement, Bob enjoyed spending his time traveling, investing in real estate, and indulging in his many hobbies. He had a passion for fishing, hunting, attending car shows and races, competition shooting, and gathering with friends for breakfast. Above all, he loved helping and serving others. Bob was a 32nd Degree Mason and a member of the Oklahoma City Indian Shrine Temple. He was also active in the Cowboy Gun Club and attended Faith Church in Hinton, Oklahoma.

Bob’s deep sense of patriotism was evident in his dedication to the creation of the Veterans Memorial. During his time as Chamber President, in 2007, Bob played a key role in bringing the memorial to life. Alongside his father Winston, friend Lee Norton, as well as the support from the Lions Club, Bob helped to create the memorial as we know it today. His love and appreciation for those who have served and sacrificed, is reflected in his tireless efforts to provide Hinton with a lasting tribute to service members from the Hinton area.

He is survived by his wife, Royalia Howard of the home in Hinton; three daughters, Amy Howard of Vermont; Cindi Albrighton and her husband Courtney of Weatherford; Cathy Hilsabeck of Valrico, FL, and grandchildren Brittni Harris of Livingston, MT; Ariana Albrightson, of Cashion; Jessica Hilsabeck of Lawton; Tim, Kristen and Erin Hilsabeck of Valrico, FL; Akelah Stafford of Tulsa; Connor Albrightson of OKC; Hunter Albrightson of Weatherford, and Sami, Isaiah, and Harper of Vermont.  He is also survived by two sisters, Liz Fleming of Oklahoma City and Kathy Bash of Pennsylvania, special friend, Dawn Mercado of Sun City Center, FL along with many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and close friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Winston Howard and Dorthy Wiley; and two brothers-in-law, Joe Fleming and Billy Bash.

A Celebration of Bob's amazing life will be Saturday, July 12th from 2-4 p.m. at Faith Church, Hinton. Please come and share your favorite Bob Howard stories with his friends and family. In lieu of flowers, a memorial donation can be made to Faith Church, Hinton OK.

The family would like to thank Dr. Blake Badgett, the staff at Weatherford Regional Hospital, and Shepherd Hospice.