Jefferson (Jay) Lorn Howard was born on July 2, 1938 in Whitefield, Oklahoma to Virgil Howard and Dorothy (Fidler) Howard. Jay is the second of nine children born to Virgil and Dorothy. He attended public schools in Catoosa and Collinsville, Oklahoma and is a graduate of Collinsville High School.
He was united in Holy Matrimony to Ida (King) Howard on February 2nd, 1961 and the union was blessed with three sons: Steven, Gregory, and Jeffery.
Jay professed his faith in Jesus Christ from an early age and was ordained as a Deacon at Hilldale Baptist Church. He served as a deacon at Hilldale, Memorial Heights Baptist Church, and later Eastern Hills Baptist Church. His dedication to the Lord and to the Lord’s church served as a shining example to all those around him. His ability to find humor was uplifting to all those that served with him.
Jay worked in fabrication most of his life including positions as an ASME code welder, in quality control, and running Rahm Fab together with his brothers Virgil and Bobby.
Jay went to be with the Lord on Sunday, August 12, 2018 departing from Bremerton, Washington. He was preceded in death by his father, Virgil and mother, Dorothy. He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Ida, by his three sons Steven, Gregory, and Jeffery Howard, by nine grandchildren, and four great grandchildren. His life is celebrated by all who knew him, and his example, teaching, and humor will live on in his legacy.