Vernon "Tony" Lee Howard's Obituary
Vernon “Tony” Howard, 89 of Rogers, passed away on February 20, 2026 at Mercy Hospital in Rogers Arkansas.
Tony was born on May 24, 1936, to Tina (Howard) Lausche. He was proceeded in death by his mother; his son, Tony Howard; and Paul and Veronica Mages, who were like a second set of parents to Tony.
Tony is survived by his beloved wife of 67 years, Pat Howard, whom he married on September 1, 1958, in Wichita, Kansas. He is also survived by his children, Nanette Rhame and husband, Marlan, Teresa Ricketts and husband, Darrin, Michele Ganoung and husband, David, and Tim Howard and wife, Crissy, all of Rogers. He also leaves behind half siblings, Don Lausche, Joey Lausche, and Judy Hanks.
Tony is further survived by his grandchildren, Jordon Ganoung and wife, Morgan, Megan Washburn and husband, Justin, Kiley Howard, Tiffany Rhame, Steffany Rhame, Courtney Howard, Libby Elliott and husband, Kyle, Makayla Ricketts, Chloe Howard, Timothy Howard, Van Rhame, Anthony Howard, and Dakota Ricketts and wife, Kortney.
His other great loves were his great grandchildren, Liam Washburn, Josie Washburn, Charlie Washburn, Madden Ganoung, Parker Washburn, Palmer Ganoung, Baby Boy Washburn due in May, Lincoln, Sammy, and Sloane Ricketts. He also leaves behind his fur baby, Missy.
Tony attended St Mary’s of the Plains in Dodge City, Kansas and went on to serve his country in the U.S. Air Force. Once moving to Rogers, Arkansas, he worked for Emerson Electric for 30 years before retiring.
Tony enjoyed the last 28 years living with Pat on Beaver Lake. Some of his greatest joys were fishing, especially with his son Tim, either on the boat dock or out on his boat. He played nearly every sport until he was unable to. Being outdoors was always his happy place. Tony had a servant’s heart and was one of the founders of the St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church food pantry. Tony and Pat spent many years helping serve the community of Rogers.
Tony was a faithful member of St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church where he and Pat were active members for over 60 years.
Tony was an avid fan of all the Razorback Sports. He had season tickets to several sports and never missed a game. He was always a figure at any sport the grandkids would play.
Tony would say his biggest, proudest moments were any time he got to spend with his family. He wore the titles of “Dad”, “Pop”, “PaPa” and “PaPa T” with great pride.
A celebration of Tony’s life will be at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church on Wednesday, February 25, 2026 with visitation at 9:00 a.m. followed by a Rosary at 9:30 in the Word Chapel. The service will begin at 10:00, with burial to follow at St. Vincent de Paul Cemetery, Rogers.
Donations in his honor can be made to the Feed Rogers Food Pantry, https://www.nwafoodbank.org/donate-online
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