Earl “Bookie” Howard, 71, of Middletown, Ohio, passed away on August 21, 2026. He was the eldest son born to the union of Mary Frances Howard and Earl Lee Howard Sr. He was born on August 31, 1954, in Springfield, Ohio.

To family, friends, teammates, and those who knew him throughout the Middletown community, Earl was affectionately known as “Bookie.” The name became a part of the man so many came to know, love, and remember.

For a short period of time Earl attended The House of Deliverance of the Apostolic Faith in Cincinnati, Ohio with his sister Deboarh and his brother-in-law. Thomas Beamon, where he was baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and was filled with the Holy Ghost.

Earl was a proud graduate of Middletown High School, Class of 1972, where he made his mark as a proud Middie. He played football for the Middletown Middies and was known for his toughness, determination, and hard-hitting style of play. Bookie roamed the field with a presence that was impossible to ignore. He was a hard-hitting monster on the football field, feared by opponents and respected by teammates. His outstanding ability and dedication to the game earned him the honor of being named Southwest Player of the Year, an achievement commemorated with an impressive six-foot Ponderosa trophy. Football, however, was not his only athletic pursuit. Earl competed in track, showcasing the speed, strength, and competitive spirit that followed him throughout his life. He also was an outstanding shortstop for the Middletown Softball Club.

After graduating from Middletown High School, Earl put his strength and determination to work in a different arena. He built a 25-year career as a pipefitter and plumber and was a proud member of the Contractors Union for 35 years. Earl was a skilled and hardworking man who took pride in his trade. He was also part of the construction team that helped build Miller Brewing Company, leaving behind a lasting example of his craftsmanship and dedication.

Earl’s life was defined by hard work, perseverance, and pride in everything he did. Whether he was wearing the Middie uniform, competing on the track, working on a construction site, or spending time with the people he loved, Bookie brought his own strength and personality to everything he touched.

He leaves to mourn his passing, his wife Andrea Howard of Middletown, Ohio of which no children were born to their union. Born of his first marriage to Deborah Howard of Middletown, Ohio was a son, Julius Howard (granddaughter Juliana). After the ending of his first marriage there was born to Deborah Aiken of Xenia, Ohio and Earl Howard Jr. a son, Leonardo Howard (Summer) of Xenia, Ohio and grandchildren Olivia, and Autumn. Daughters; Eureka Howard of Columbus, Ohio and grandchildren Kaliyah and Khalil. Tameka Howard of Houston, Texas and grandchildren Aubriana and Abrielle. Siblings; eldest sister, Janice A. Gann and niece, Dr. Linnea A. Gann of Atlanta, Georgia. Brothers; Jeffrey, A. Gann Sr. of Middletown, Ohio and nephews Jeff Jr., Andre and Glenn. Brother Dan A. Howard (Cheryl) of Xenia, Ohio. Niece Dunisha Johnson (Willis III) of Cincinnati, Ohio and nephew Willis IV. Nephew Reggie (Don). Former sister-in-law Sue Howard of Middletown, Ohio (nephew, Kaleb, and niece Kashley. Youngest sister, Deborah A. Beamon of Cincinnati, Ohio, nephew Benjamin and niece Bethany. Nephew James A. Gann Jr. (Aliisia) of Dayton, Ohio, son of his deceased elder brother James A.Gann Sr. and nieces and nephews. Beverlyn Jones of Middletown, Ohio and niece Pastor Leslie Jones of Cincinnati, Ohio, daughter of his deceased elder brother James. Nephews Joshua and Raymond. He leaves behind a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members, and dear friends, all of whom will cherish the memories they shared with him and carry his legacy in their hearts.

Earl “Bookie” Howard lived a life that left a lasting impression. He was a Middie, an athlete, a craftsman, a father, a brother, an uncle, and a friend. His story is one of strength, determination, and a legacy built both on the football field and through the work of his hands. The lights may have gone out on the field, but the memories of Bookie will continue to shine. Rest in peace, Bookie. Once a Middie, always a Middie. Your legacy will never be forgotten.

Friends are cordially invited to a visitation with the family from 11:00 am until 12:00 pm, on Saturday, September 5, 2026, at the Faith Fellowship Ministries International, 1915 S Main Street, Middletown, OH 45044. The funeral service will immediately follow the visitation, beginning at 12:00 pm. Friends and family will gather to share memories, find solace in one another's company, and honor the legacy he leaves behind.

He will be laid to rest at Woodside Cemetery, 1401 Woodside Blvd., Middletown, Ohio 45044.

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Walker Funeral Home and Crematory is caring for the Howard family during this difficult time. Please call 513.251.6200 or visit www.HerbWalker.com for additional information.