Jerry R. Howard

OAKWOOD – Jerry R. Howard, 77, of Oakwood, went to be with the Lord on Monday, May 11, 2026, at Defiance Area Inpatient Hospice Center.

He was born in Kentucky on July 5, 1948, to the late Benjamin and Jessie (Collins) Howard. On November 14, 1968, he married Darlene R. Butler, who preceded him in death on December 3, 2024.

Jerry is survived by two children: Karen Howard-Schwiebert of Ayersville and Bryan (Lisa) Howard of Defiance; five grandchildren: Robert (Olivia) Schwiebert of Ft. Wayne, IN., Jesse (Courtney) Schwiebert of Huntertown, IN., Alisha Mays of Grand Rapids, Katlin (Marcus) Krendl of Delphos, and Levi (Jody) Bradford of Defiance; and seven great-grandchildren; siblings Donna DeSota of Continental and Brenda Kay Johnson of Melrose.

He is preceded in death by siblings, Offuet Howard, Goldie Howard, Dorothy Booth, Doug Collins, Linda Worline, Geneva Dennison, Charles Howard, Truman Howard, Darce Howard, Edward Howard, Albert Howard, Jewell Howard and Lola Hacker.

Jerry worked at General Motors, Defiance and retired after 36 years. He served in the U.S. Army during Vietnam, where he was stationed in Germany. Jerry’s love for music started at an early age which led him to become the leader of The Sunshine Express and later on, the Nite Life Band, with his son, Bryan being the drummer for many years. He was the owner of Black Swamp Studio and music sales, Continental and Howard’s Music, Oakwood.

Jerry enjoyed entertaining the residents with the gift of music at the local nursing facilities and retirement communities. He looked forward to spending time with friends at the Opry Barn, Oakwood and many years and memories with family at Woodbridge Campground.

Visitation will be held from 2 to 8 p.m. on Monday, May 18, 2026, at HEITMEYER FUNERAL HOME, Oakwood.

Funeral services will be Tuesday, May 19, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. with a visitation one hour prior to the service with Reverend Terry Porter officiating. Burial will follow in Monroe Cemetery, Continental with military rites by Continental American Legion Post 541.

Memorial donations may be made to CHP Homecare and Hospice.

Condolences may be expressed at www.loveheitmeyer.com