Funeral Services for John Tillman Howard, Jr., age 79, of Simsboro, LA will be held at 10:00 A.M., Thursday, April 8, 2021 at Owens Memorial Chapel in Ruston, LA with Rev. Greg Morrow officiating. Burial will follow in Simsboro City Cemetery under the direction of Owens Memorial Chapel Funeral Home of Ruston, LA.

John enjoyed gardening, caring for his chickens, riding his bicycle and attending church. He was a watchmaker and jeweler for over 49 years. He was preceded in death by his sister, Sarah Jones.

Survivors include his wife of 52 years, Betty Delene Howard of Simsboro; children: Betty and Keith Landrum of West Monroe, John Howard III of Quitman, Robby and Kristy Howard of Simsboro, and Melissa and Jacob Ramsey of Quitman; eleven grandchildren: Chris Lewellyan, Paige and Garth Lasyone, Hunter and Macey Leedy, Raynie Landrum, Christian Howard, Evan Howard, Mae Mae Howard, Caleb Howard, Leah Joy Howard, J.B. Ramsey, Josiah Ramsey; and one great granddaughter: Pearl Lasyone.

Serving as pallbearers will be Chris Lewellyan, Hunter Leedy, Caleb Howard, Christian Howard, Evan Howard and Robby Howard.

Visitation will be held from 5:00 to 7:00 PM, Wednesday, April 7, 2021 at Owens Memorial Chapel.