Eddie Don Howard, age 66, of South Coffeyville, Oklahoma, passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, May 3, 2023.
Eddie was born on January 30, 1957, in Independence, Kansas, to Edward and Patricia (Wilson) Howard. He grew up in the Coffeyville area and Normal, Illinois. He was raised by his parents, Jim, and Patricia Fritz. Eddie graduated from Caney Valley High School. He proudly furthered his education at Pittsburg State University, where he earned his bachelor’s degree.
Eddie had an impact on so many lives of people, young and old. He was a schoolteacher in Altoona-Midway 6th, 7th, and 8th grade and taught P.E. for grades Kindergarten through 8th grade; he then taught 6th grade in Caney, Kansas. He also coached football, basketball, and track. Eddie continued his teaching at Coffeyville Community College, where he taught Firefighter One and Two. He was a loyal firefighter with the South Coffeyville, Oklahoma Fire Department. Eddie further served as a certified F.E.M.A. responder. His life was filled with teaching the youth of the future and providing selfless community service to protect and serve his community.
On May 29, 1981, he married his best friend, Diana Marie Keene. The couple made their home in South Coffeyville, Oklahoma. They had two children, Jeremy and Shelby, whom they adored. Eddie and Diana were members of Holy Name Catholic Church. Eddie was a member of the Knights of Columbus; he was a member and leader in the Boy Scouts of America. A few of his hobbies were being a part of the Coffeyville Amateur Radio Club, woodworking, sailing, traveling, and racing motorcycles. He was proud to have served and retired as Department Chief of the South Coffeyville Fire Department.
Surviving to honor his memory are his loving wife, Diana Howard; son, Jeremy Howard and wife, Jessica of South Coffeyville, Oklahoma; daughter, Shelby Howard of Owasso, Oklahoma; grandchildren, Dustin, Jaylyn, and Delaney; brothers, Jeff Fritz of Edna, Kansas and Jeral Fritz of Independence, Kansas; sisters, Kathy Sroufe of Ocala, Florida, Biz Hansen of Rochester, New York, Jill Fritz of Coffeyville, Kansas and Jane Fritz of Lincoln, Nebraska; numerous nieces, nephews, extended relatives, and many friends. Eddie was preceded in death by his father Edward Howard, and his parents, Jim, and Patricia Fritz.
The rosary will be held on Thursday, May 18, 2023, at 7:00 PM at Holy Name Catholic Church in Coffeyville, Kansas. Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, May 19, 2023, at 10:00 AM. at Holy Name Catholic Church in Coffeyville, Kansas. Father James Schibi will officiate. Interment will follow at Calvary Cemetery in Coffeyville. Family and friends are invited to gather in celebration of Eddie's life at the Holy Name Gymnasium following the funeral service.
The family suggests memorial contributions can be made to Holy Name Catholic Church or to the South Coffeyville Fire Department; these may be left with the funeral home or mailed in care of David W. Barnes Funeral Home 306 N. Cline, Coffeyville, KS 67337.
The family has entrusted arrangements to David W. Barnes Funeral Home in Coffeyville, Kansas. To leave a message for the family online, visit www,dwbfh.com
