Neal E. “Sonny” Howard Jr. 68 of Granite City passed away peacefully on Saturday, January 9, 2021 at Memorial Hospital Belleville.
Sonny was born on October 2, 1952 in Granite City; the son of the late Neal E. and Clementine Howard Sr. Sonny was dedicated electrician at Granite City Steel retiring after 42 years of service.
He attended St. Elizabeth Catholic School in Granite City and was a wonderful husband and father. His greatest joy was spending time with his family and will be remembered for all the special times they shared together.
Sonny is survived by and will be missed by his children; Shannon Howard of Granite City, Deana and Chad Hall-Marce of Lakewood, CO, Curtis and Audrey Howard of Pine City, CA; grandchildren, Ashley Hill, Dyllian Rice, Paige Gleason, Sierra Hall, Zane Hall, Curtis Hall, Avery Howard, Colvin Howard; great-grandchildren, Bryson, Joslyn, Marlee, Owen, Benjamin, Milo, Ella, Olivia, Kolson and many other close family members and friends.
In addition to his parents, Sonny was preceded in death by his wife; Donna (Reynolds) Howard, whom he married in October, 1976; brother, Arthur and his sister, Sherri.
In celebration of Sonny’s life, a private family visitation will be held on Wednesday, January 13, 2021 with services to follow at Irwin Chapel, 3960 Maryville Road in Granite City. Burial will be at St. John Cemetery on Maryville Road in Granite City.
Memorial donations are suggested to the charity of one’s choice.
