Ricky Don Howard

Ricky Don Howard was born in Tulia, Texas on June 21, 1949, and went to Heaven on December 31st 2022, in Amarillo, Texas at the age of 73. Ricky was the middle son of Love Howard Sr. and Amanda “Dolly” Howard. He grew up in Tulia, Texas with his two brothers, Bobby, and Rodney Howard. He attended Tulia High School, where he met his sweetheart, Olivia “Libby” Rossi. On September 25th, 1971, they were married. He was a volunteer firefighter and worked as a car salesman and manager at many dealerships throughout his career. He was also an active member of Saint Alice Catholic Church, the Knights of Columbus, and the Plainview Country Club. He and Libby had three beautiful children in Tulia, and then moved to Plainview, Texas in 1980. His greatest accomplishments included being a son, a husband, a father, a grandad, a father-in-law, a brother, an uncle, a Godparent, and a friend. He is survived by his daughter, Jami Dawn Howard-Boccella and husband Brooks, his son, Jason Ross Howard, and his wife Kalisha. His grandchildren Madison Howard, Kennedy Howard, Jackson Boccella, Asher Boccella, and Olivia Boccella who will miss him dearly. He is also survived by his brother, Rodney Howard and wife Celeste; as well as many in-laws including, Denise Gerber and husband Carrol; Roxanne Ledwig and husband Anthony; Peggy Pohlmeier and husband Brian; Susan Britten and husband Cliff; Larry Rossi and wife Carrissa; Cathy Smith and husband Mike; Terry Rossi and Steven Rossi; He has 33 nieces and nephews, 38 great nieces and nephews, and many Godchildren who loved him. He was greeted at the gates of heaven by his wife, Libby and son, Troy Don Howard. His brother, Bobby Howard and his sister-in-law Julianna. As well as his parents, Love and Dolly and his father-in-law, Hank Rossi. A Memorial Funeral Mass will be held 10:00 am Saturday, January 28, 2023 at Church of the Holy Spirit in Tulia, TX. Interment will follow in the Rose Hill Cemetery in Tulia, Texas. The family will be hosting friends and family after the funeral at Jason and Kalisha’s home in Amarillo, TX. Arrangements are under the care of Kornerstone Funeral Directors of Plainview, Texas. A Rosary will be held 6:00 pm at Kornerstone Funeral Directors Chapel in Tulia followed by a visitation until 8:00 p.m. on Friday, January 27, 2023. In lieu of flowers, please send donations in honor of his memory to Swisher Memorial Hospital Foundation or the Alzheimer’s Association. The family would like to sincerely thank all of those that cared for our dad during his Alzheimer’s journey including Santa Fe House in Plainview, TX and The Craig Senior Living in Amarillo, TX. Whether it be mowing his lawn, getting his groceries, helping him find his golf ball, or just simply being a friend, your kind actions were greatly appreciated. He will miss all those who helped cared for him, especially his Sunday Golf Group.