Fred Curtis Howard

Fred Curtis Howard, 87, of Mason, OH, went home to be with the Lord, August 7, 2025, after declining health the last two years.

Fred was preceded in death by his parents, Curtis Howard and Pearl (Oliver) Howard, and brothers, Raymond Howard, Paul Howard, Homer Howard, and Harry Howard. Fred was also preceded by his wife of 67 years, Lucille Jane (Crusan).

Fred is survived by his two sons: Kevin (Sherri) Howard of West Chester, OH and Greg (Melissa) Howard of Pleasant Plain, OH. His extended family includes six grandchildren: Sara (Chris) Harness, Sara Riley, Stephanie (Heather) Henize, Amanda (Jason) Parker, Benjamin (Sheera) Howard, Jared (Amanda) Howard; and eleven great-grandchildren: Braden Harness, Connor Harness, James Riley, Vincent Henize, Thomas Parker, Elliot Howard, Jack Howard, Isaac Howard, Kai Howard, Eli Howard, and Annabelle Howard.

Fred was born at his family homestead outside of New Florence, PA on May 7, 1938. Soon after his birth, his four older brothers went off to WWII. Fred spent his elementary school years in a one-room schoolhouse near his home. His high school years were at Laurel Valley High School where he met his sweetheart, Jane Crusan. Fred placed his trust in Jesus as his Savior at age 18, due to the godly influence of his mother and Jane. That decision forever changed Fred, his future family, and his eternity.

A few days after high school graduation, Fred enlisted for six years in the US Navy. The following year he married Jane on June 1, 1957. They were stationed in Newport, RI where Fred served rotating three-month rolling deployments to Newfoundland and the North Atlantic. Fred and Jane’s son, Kevin, was born during that time.

After active duty, Fred and Jane relocated to Dayton, OH and their second son, Greg, was born a few months later. Fred worked as a software programmer for the remainder of his career. Most of those years he was a contractor for Procter & Gamble in Cincinnati. Fred and Jane lived in Mason, OH since 1987.

Fred had a heart for helping others grow in their walk with the Lord. He was an ordained pastor and served at Grace Baptist Church, Phillipsburg, OH and Maranatha Baptist Church, Mason, OH.

Fred will be buried with military honors at Dayton National Cemetery.