Paul Howard

Dr. Paul Howard, age 91, of Tuscumbia, passed away on Wednesday, June 22, 2022, at his home. He was born in Bagnel, on September 4, 1930, son of the late Ernest and Constance (Buster) Howard. On February 14, 1953, Dr. Howard was united in marriage to the love of his life, Marjorie Ann Humphreys, who preceded him in death on July 24, 2017. They were blessed with 64 years of marriage. Following graduating high school in Tuscumbia, he attended junior college in Kansas City and later attended Central Missouri State University. He taught at Vernon School in Miller County for a year and a half before he was drafted into the U.S. Marine Corps. After serving in the Marines, he attended Kirksville College of Osteopathy to become a doctor. After he completed his residency in surgery in Tucson, Ariz., Dr. Howard returned to Tuscumbia where he served the community and surrounding counties for several decades. To many in the area his length of dedicated service represented a lifetime commitment to provide medical care for patients, many who were friends and neighbors, in a rural community….his community. He received a lifetime membership award from the Missouri Association Osteopathic Physicians and Surgeons. Dr. Howard had a private practice in several locations in the Miller County area and was a surgeon at Charles E. Still Hospital (Capital Region Medical Center) in Jefferson City. Delivering babies was the most enjoyable part of being in the medical field to Dr. Howard. It is estimated that he delivered over 2,000 babies in the clinic and another 1,000 babies at Still Hospital. Dr. Howard loved spending time with his late wife, Marjorie. They enjoyed trips to Arizona, working on their yard, taking frequent car rides around the countryside in his classic car, and attending Tuscumbia athletic events, especially basketball. Dr. Howard was a member of the Tuscumbia Christian Church. After all his years and experiences, “Life is Good”, was Dr. Howard’s philosophical statement. He is survived by four daughters, Rebecca (Paul) Young, Connie (Kenny) Wyrick, Stephanie Graves, and Molly Howard; eight grandchildren, Joshua Wyrick, Brandon Young, TaNea Green, Jessica Roy, Aaron Young, Jacob Wyrick, Katie Bax, and Logan Patterson; 20 great-grandchildren; six great-great-grandchildren; and numerous family and friends. In addition to his parents and loving wife, Marjorie, he was also preceded in death by two grandsons, James “Jimmy” Ernest Eugene Patterson and Thomas Tyson Graves, and son-in-law, Monty Graves. A graveside service will be held at 3:30 p.m. on Monday, June 27, at the Tuscumbia Cemetery with his son-in-law, Bro. Paul Young, officiating. A dinner at the Tuscumbia Christian Church will follow at the Tuscumbia Christian Church. In honor of Dr. Howard’s love for music, the funeral meal will be followed with impromptu community singing. Memorial contributions are suggested to the Community Wellness Clinic. Arrangements are under the direction of Fancher-Rekus Funeral Home in Iberia. Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.fancherrekusfuneralhomes.com.