Philip C Howard

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved Philip "Butch" C. Howard, who left us on November 26, 2025, at the age of 87. Phil was known for his warmth, kindness, and unwavering dedication to family and friends.

He was born on October 14, 1938, in Chicago IL. He was raised and continued to reside until his passing in Palos Park, Illinois. He graduated from Leo High School and later was proud to have served in the United States Navy as electronics technician.

Phil’s employment varied: caddy, bricklayer, general contractor, heavy equipment operator, postal worker who greatly enjoyed his time on the rural route. He went on to spend much of his professional life as an insurance adjuster, earning respect and admiration from both colleagues and clients for his dedication, Phil was frequently recognized for his hard work. In his later years, he joined Waste Management Co. as a scale operator, from where he eventually retired on July 1, 2012.

Beloved husband of Linda; loving father of Donna Durkin-Howard, Michelle (David Bandyk), and Jacquelyn (Shane Ratliff) Michael Howard (Christina) (late wife Erin Howard) and John Deady. Loving grandfather of  Briget Howard, Brook Howard, late Rachel Howard, Caitlin Durkin, Bethany Bandyk, David (Jack) Bandyk, Jacob Bandyk, Dustin Blatt, Emily Bachmann and Ellie Ratliff. Loving great grandfather of Nicholas, Alyssa, Leah, Kiley, Mia, Taryn, Makenzie, Brie, Timothy (Jax), and Bryce. Dear Brother to Michael (Phyllis) Howard, Mary (Late Gerald) Hayes, late Kathleen (Neil) Sorensen, James Howard, Sharon (Robert) Suich. Loving uncle to many nieces and nephews. His devotion to family was evident in every aspect of life, and he leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter, and cherished memories.

Phil was an avid golfer teaching anyone willing to try the sport. For 20 years every Sunday he would be found on the course as a Ranger. Phil initially began crafting jigsaw puzzles to entertain his children, eventually developing highly intricate designs containing up to 300 pieces. Visitors to his garden would encounter an array of flowers, ornamental shrubs, and trees, offering a remarkable landscape. Phil was known for generously sharing his passion for gardening, often personally selecting and providing plants for family and friends to take home. Always eager to lend a helping hand and make a difference Phil would help family and friends build a garage, lay a new roof, remodel a bathroom or anything else they needed. He was always there for his people, someone you could count on. He had an uncanny ability to relate to little kids or grown adults. Once he found out something he had in common he never forgot, it could be to sneak you piece of candy, swing golf clubs, tell jokes, play cards, draw cartoons or grab a smoke together; he was all in. His Love of hearing and telling jokes led him to publish a joke book titled “I’ve Heard That One Before.” He went as far as to say "If I leave my brain to science the only thing they will find is jokes.”

The memory of Philip C. Howard will live on in the hearts of all who had the privilege of knowing him. As we celebrate his life, let us remember the joy, strength, and inspiration he brought into the world.

The family will be planning a Celebration of life Spring of 2026.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to honor Philip’s commitment to helping others.