George Richard Howard

LEIPSIC – George Richard "Rick" Howard, 74, of Leipsic, passed away at 8:56 p.m., Thursday, March 30, 2023 at his residence surrounded by his family.  He was born July 29, 1948 in Leipsic to the late Robert Thomas and Elizabeth Lavina (Leffler) Howard.  In 1976, he married Roberta Lee Parish, who survives in Leipsic.

Other survivors include two children: Suzanne Elizabeth (David) Nauert and Robert Thomas (Erica) Howard II; four grandchildren: Elizabeth Nauert, Tyler Nauert, Helena Howard and Lucy Howard; and a brother Charles Thomas (Judy) Howard.

Rick graduated from Leipsic High School and The Ohio State University with a degree in Criminology and Social Work.  As a young man Rick worked in his parents' store – Howard's Department Store on main street in Leipsic. After college he served as a Leipsic Police Officer and sold cars for Bob Ruhe.

Rick was a nationally known expert on U.S. rare coins and in particular was a known expert on the detection of counterfeit coins. He advised law enforcement in several criminal cases. Rick was a life member of the American Numismatic Society.

Rick was an entrepreneur at heart and started many businesses. Wherever he saw a need, he attempted to fill it. Ernest and Young awarded Rick the Entrepreneur of the Year Award for Northwest Ohio in 1989.

Some of the businesses Rick started were: Richard Howard Inc., (coins), Arcade City – a regional chain of coin operated amusement games, Suzy Q Ice Cream Shop, R. Howard Jewelers, Findlay Fine Homes, All American Plastics, Collector's Clubhouse TV Shopping Network, Rarities Collectible Stores, Howard's Sports Collectibles, Silvertowne Auctions, Coin Grading Company, Main Street Vintage, Antique Store, National Distributor for Donruss Sports Cards, Shop at home TV Sales, Eagle Rentals and Collectibles, and R. Howard Collectibles.

Rick was a lifelong member of First Lutheran Church in Leipsic, where he served as church treasurer for over 30 years. He also became a member of St. John Lutheran Church in Deshler, Ohio. Rick was a passionate student of America's Civil War and loved visiting historical sites.  Rick will be best remembered for treating everyone with dignity and respect, seeing the better angels of our nature.

Funeral services will begin at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, April 3, 2023 at LOVE-HEITMEYER FUNERAL HOME, Leipsic with Pastor Jim Wenger officiating.  Burial will follow in Sugar Ridge Cemetery, Leipsic. Visitation will be held from 2 - 8 p.m. on Sunday and 10 - 11 a.m. on Monday at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Leipsic Community Center.

Condolences may be expressed at www.lovefuneralhome.com.

Leipsic Community Center: 27th Annual Soup & Sandwich Supper
120 E. Main St., Leipsic OH 45856