Rob was born April 1, 1925 in North Platte, NE., the son of John M. and Leila P. Wilson Howard. He attended schools in Lincoln and in Keith County, NE.

On July 31, 1945 Rob was united in marriage to Margaret E. Driefholt at Big Springs. To this union three children were born, Kathy, Bonnie and Jon.

Early in 1945, Rob joined the United States Army and served in Germany. He served in three major battles, the Ardennes, Rhineland and Central Europe which comprised the Battle of the Bulge. Rob received the European Theater of Operations Campaign Ribbon with three battle stars, the Victory Medal, and the French Cordeau braid (the highest honor given by France for the liberation of its country).

He was also awarded the Combat Infantry Badge, the Good Conduct Medal and the Bronze Star for capturing eight German soldiers who were laying land mines.

Rob worked on ranches in Arthur County, moving to Oshkosh in 1963 where he held various positions before retiring from the Nebraska Department of Roads in 1987. Rob's favorite hat was his cowboy hat, as he loved horses and roping. He also enjoyed hunting all game including coyotes, trapping, fishing, arrowhead hunting and using his metal detector.

Preceding him in death were his parents, two brothers Marvin D. Howard and Morris L. Howard, two sisters Maude D. Campbell and Betty M. Howard, and granddaughter Toni D. Beckett.

Survivors include his wife Margie Howard of Ogallala; two daughters: Kathy (Wayne) Thelander of Oshkosh, NE. and Bonnie (Don) Williams of Orchard, NE and a son Jon (Martha) Howard of Wolbach, NE. A brother Johnnie (Audrey) Howard of Grand Island, NE.

Also seven grandchildren: Brent (Amy) Thelander, Brinkley (Stacy) Williams, Jeffrey (Tracy) Williams, Tarra (Christian) Nuss, Robert (Sarah) Howard, Dustin Howard and Danial Howard and seven great-grandchildren.

Visitation will be Friday, July 25, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Draucker Funeral Home.

Funeral Service will be Saturday, July 26, at 10 a.m. in Draucker Funeral Home with Rev. Curtis Tschetter officiating.

A memorial has been established in his name.

Interment in the Paxton Cemetery with military honors by Nebraska National Guard Military Funeral Honors Team.

Draucker Funeral Home of Ogallala is in charge of arrangements.