Larry "Lightning" Howard

LARRY "LIGHTNING" HOWARD, born April 16, 1943, loving husband, father, son, brother, grandfather, nephew, chef, daredevil, rounder, and fisherman, died on Nov. 26, 2013. It would be a much easier task to note the people in Arkansas (or any place he visited) who were not a part of Larry's life. It was his way to meet a stranger, make them a friend, and then promptly give them a nickname. So, to Big Check, Pee Wee, Home Depot, Barber T, Trooper J, and his many friends from Peckerwood Lake, know you were with him on speed dial to the end. He loved his mom, Pauline Howard, who at the age of 93, proved tougher than the people who make the hospital-visitation rules, and managed to be at her son's side for his final hours. He worshipped his younger sister, Kansie, with her gentle voice and strong heart and his younger brother, David, who was not only his sibling but his best friend. He will join his stepmother and father Virgie and Talmadge Howard, both preceding him in death. Larry married his high-school sweetheart Dianne "Magin" Howard, 50 years ago yesterday. Ever the great fisherman, he often bragged that landing this smart, beautiful, sassy woman was the catch of his life. And their family was complete with son Brent "Hot Rod" Howard (Julie) and daughter Michelle "DHG" Young (Barry). Larry loved when his children sought his advice, even when they ignored it. The certain satisfaction of hearing "dad was right" made up for any misdirection. Through his children, he was able to pass on his love of fishing to his four grandsons, Blyth Howard (16), Harrison Howard (16), Caleb Young (9), and Noah Young (6). He excelled at purchasing and organizing fishing lures (more than could be used in several lifetimes), eradicating skunks from his yard, outsmarting squirrels, and never losing a game of competitive story telling. He was a heck of a cook, but forget getting one of his recipes. He cooked freestyle and never made the same thing twice. And, he did one thing better than anything else. He was a master-class fisherman, who fished every lake, stream, and river in Arkansas (and in other states and countries). If you ever find yourself fishing near Rabbit Tail on Lake Ouachita, listen carefully and you just might hear Larry calling you to the sweet spot. The family wishes to thank the doctors and nurses at Arkansas Heart Hospital and UAMS for all their compassionate care. All are invited to join us at Griffin Leggett--Forest Hills Funeral Home on Wednesday at 10 a.m. to celebrate Larry's life. In lieu of flowers the family requests that memorials be made in Larry's name to the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission's "Youth for Fishing" program. And, like any good fishing story, it is our hope that the stories of Larry's life be told often and amplified with each retelling. Online guest registry at www.griffinleggettforesthills.com.