Merle Patrick "Butch" Howard

March 17, 1938 - June 06, 2018

Merle Patrick "Butch" Howard Obituary (Age 80) Merle ?Butch? Howard passed away June 6, 2018 in Spokane, WA. He was born March 17, 1938 in Spokane to Harry Walter and Ryle Howard. Merle was a graduate of Rogers High School in Spokane. He completed his service in the U.S. Navy while stationed at Whidbey Island. He married Clarice Anderson and recently celebrated their 56th wedding anniversary. He was a proud member of the Hillyard Boosters and was able to go see the Rose Bowl and meet Bing Crosby as a young man. Merle worked as a switchman/brakeman for the Burlington Northern Railway for 38 years, where he met and became friends with so many people along the way. He also worked as a cement truck driver, a mover, a roofer, and a school bus driver. I think that it has been said, he could do just about anything. If you needed help, he was always there to lend a hand. He loved fishing and camping with Clarice and the family, and was always there to crack a joke and cheer you up. He could fix anything with the skill and care as if he had been doing it all his life, even if it was the first time. Merle is survived by his wife, Clarice, of 56 years; son, Bruce (Debra); grandsons, Nathan, Mitchell, and Dawson; granddaughters, Amanda and Felicia; four great grand-daughters; special Schlosser family, Dan (Sonny Boy), Connie, Whitney & Scott; sister Sandy (Ray); brothers George (Betty) & Lee (Judy); numerous nieces and nephews; and many friends. His son, Mark; parents, three sisters, and three brothers, preceded him in death. In lieu of flowers, the family asks a donation be made to Hospice of Spokane, 121 S. Arthur, P.O. Box 2215, Spokane WA 99210 in Merle?s memory. Our family would like to extend our deepest gratitude to all the people of Hospice of Spokane for the care, love, respect, and compassion they provided for Merle and us in the final months of his life. THANK YOU. A celebration of Merle?s life will be held at Fairmount Memorial Park, 5200 W, Wellesley Avenue, Spokane WA, 99205 on Monday July 9th at 1:30pm.