7/30/1947 – 2/21/2018
Wake – Thursday, March 1, 2018 at 4:00 pm and Musical Celebration at 6:00 pm
Visitation – Friday, March 2, 2018 at 9:00 am; Home-Going Celebration – 10:00 am
Life’s Journey
MARION LEBARON HOWARD, affectionately known as “RICO” was born to Eddie and Essie Mae Howard in Mobile, Alabama on Wednesday, July 30, 1947. Rico peacefully and suddenly transitioned from life to life on Wednesday, February 21, 2018.
Rico received Christ as his Lord and Savior at an early age and was baptized in Mobile, Alabama at the St. Peter Baptist Church. He also later became a member of the Revelation Missionary Baptist Church and the First Baptist Church in Mobile, AL.
After moving to Omaha, Nebraska, Rico became a member of the Mount Calvary Community Church under the Senior Pastorate of the Late Bishop William H. Foeman and remained a faithful member up to the day that he went home to be with the Lord under the current Senior Pastorate of Reverend James P. Walker. Rico loved the Lord and he was a loyal student in the Sunday School Class. In addition, Rico was a dedicated member of the Mass Choir, the Male Chorus, Men’s Department, and he was once committed to the Pastor’s Aide Ministry, Chief Cook of the kitchen and he is also one of the founding members of The Mount Calvary Marching Knights Drill Team. One thing about Rico and that is that he loved serving others in the community.
Rico attended W. H. Council Elementary School, Emerson Junior High School and he graduated from Lillie B. Williamson High School in 1965. Shortly after his graduation in the same year, Rico joined The United States Army. After he received an honorable discharge from the Military, Rico attended Mobile State Junior College and then furthered his education at Alabama State University.
Rico was a hard working man who took care of and provided for his family. He was a cook for the Henry Dorley Zoo where he catered for many banquets and other events. In addition, Rico worked for the Douglas County Hospital as the Lead Cook.
One thing about Rico, he was a big sports fan and he loved to travel. His most recent trip which was the first week of February, he went to his home in Mobile, Alabama to be with his brothers and sister for a 50th Wedding Anniversary for one of his brothers. Rico loved to sing and dance. What a wonderful time Rico had as he danced on the dance floor with his nieces and nephews. Rico was a fun loving person who didn’t meet any strangers. He had a big heart and would give his last to those he came in contact with, especially those that were in need. One of the greatest things that Rico loved to do and that was he would feed anyone with his famous smoked meats, fried seafood and gumbo. In addition, Rico loved to bake his popular cakes.
Rico, departed this life suddenly on Wednesday, February 21, 2018. He was proceeded in death by his parents, Eddie and Essie Mae Howard; brother, Reginald Howard; sister, Patricia Taite.
Rico leaves to cherish his memories, his loving and caring wife of 38 years, Quinttean; four sons, Merritt, Marion (Jaycee) from Omaha, Nebraska, Brandon from Mobile, Alabama, Montrez (Ariel) and one daughter, Mya from Omaha, Nebraska; brothers, Everett (Dorothy) Howard from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, Dr. Leon Howard from Holly Springs, Mississippi, Eddie (Claudette) Howard, Elijah (Sheila) Howard, Bernard (Alberta) Howard from Mobile, Alabama, one sister, Bessie Aletha Howard from Omaha, Nebraska; Rico spoiled everyone of his 16 grandchildren who loved him to life; special God-Children, Nadia Toussaint, Breonna Ford, Richard Ryan; brother in law, Vincent Brinkley from Houston, Texas; sister in laws, Sonji King from Mobile, Alabama, Rose (Tim) Fant from Houston, Texas, and Stacy (Ron) Brinkley from Omaha, Nebraska.
Rico also leaves to cherish his memories, a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, God-Children, The Mount Calvary Community Church Family and friends.
Pall Bearers
Michael McPhaull
Kevin Estell
Chris Daniels
Terrance Johnson
Mark Kenner
Breck C. Beck
Honorary Pall Bearers
Melvin McPhaull
Gregory Collins
Brandon Brinkley
DeAndre Brinkley
Marquise Howard
James Daniels
Robert Anderson
Reginald Anderson
Theodore Boggs
Adrian Howard
Charlie Williams
Terrance Howard
