Lester "Vernon" Howard age 91, of Russellville died Wednesday June 23, 2021, at Arkansas Hospice River Valley Home.  He was born November 7, 1929, in Treat to William Jasper "Jay" and Myrtle Eliza Ross Howard.  An only child, Vernon grew up hunting, fishing and wading the cool waters of Indian Creek, which by his own admission often drew him away from the school room.  And even in his last days, he longed for the peace of Indian Creek.  In high school, Vernon left Treat and moved to "the big city" of Russellville where he lived with his beloved uncle and aunt, Marion and Violet Phillips, until his parents sold the homestead and moved to Russellville as well.  After graduation from Russellville High School, he enlisted in the United States Army and served during the Korean Conflict in Okinawa, Japan where he obtained the rank of Master Sgt. before being honorably discharged.  He subsequently worked full time for the Arkansas National Guard and as a purchasing agent for Arkansas Polytechnic College (ATU) before striking out as an entrepreneur.  He was chief of police of Norristown until it was incorporated into the City of Russellville.  His business interest included several laundromats and carwashes before establishing the Vernon Howard Realty Company, which he ran until his first retirement.  Other businesses included Yamaha of Russellville, Sugar Creek Creamery, POM of Russellville and along with Cliff Goodin and Mack Van Horn, building and operating the City Mall.  After leaving the private sector, Vernon served as a member of the Pope County Quorum Court and was appointed by the Governor of Arkansas to fill a vacated term as Pope County Judge.  After fulfilling that term, he was appointed to fill a vacated position as Mayor of Russellville after which he successfully ran for a full term serving a total of five years as Mayor before retiring once again.  He served on many commissions and boards, including President of West Central Association.  He was uncompromising in his work ethic and instilled that same ethic in his children and grandchildren.

Vernon became a Christian at an early age and served many years as an Elder of the Church of Christ and was a faithful member and Sunday school teacher of the 5 ^th and Greenwich congregation. He was a gifted writer and speaker who delighted in conducting marriage ceremonies and considered it an honor to be asked to say the parting words for friends and family members over the years. His talents were many, including his ability to turn a humble piece of wood into a beautiful piece of art.  Whether he was building a house or building a business, he was a perfectionist.  His generosity was unmatched and he quietly made a difference in countless lives, never seeking recognition or requiring compensation.  His wry sense of humor and penchant for story telling gained him a prominent place at the early morning Hardee's coffee club.  But more than anything, he loved his God and he loved his family and he was, and always will be, loved.

In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his loving wife of 50 years, Lois Annette Cosand Howard; and a grandson, Daniel Jay Woods.

Survivors include his current wife, Jane Rachel Howard; a son and daughter-in-law, Phil and Lori Howard of Dover; a daughter and son-in-law, Ramona and Rick Woods of Russellville; step-daughter and her husband, Deanna and Bryan Cooper of Clarksville; grandson, Benjamin Woods and Alicia of Pottsville; granddaughters, Nikki Young and Ryan of Pottsville and Jill and Eric Hottinger of Russellville; step-granddaughter, Claire Lacefield of Clarksville; great-grandchildren, Bella and Max Woods, Ryder Hottinger and Addison Jackson; beloved cousins, Debra Phillips Millsap of Colorado Springs, Colorado and Pauline Hutchins of Russellville.

The graveside service will be at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, June 26, 2021, at Rest Haven Memorial Park with Mr. Anthony Sweeny officiating and under the direction of Shinn Funeral Service of Russellville.

The family will receive friends Friday evening from 5:00 – 6:00 p.m., at the funeral home.

Memorials may be made to Arkansas Hospice River Valley Home, 220 John Babish Lane, Russellville, Arkansas 72801 or to the Shiloh Church of Christ building fund, 620 E 5th St, Russellville, AR 72801.

The online obituary and guestbook are available at www.shinnfuneral.com.