Robert Howard, 79

Robert “Bob” Earl Howard, Esq., 79, of Sand Springs passed away at his home Wednesday, March 29, 2023, with his family near.

Arrangements are entrusted to Mobley-Groesbeck Funeral Service.

Bob was born Sept. 1, 1943, in Bonners Ferry, Idaho, to Lester Lee and Doris Ellen (MacDonald) Howard. He graduated from Bonners Ferry High School. Obtained his bachelor's degree in 1967 from the University of Idaho and was a member of the Tau Kappa Epsilon fraternity. He met the love of his life, Judith “Judy” Marie Thompson while at Idaho. They were married June 8, master's degree in 1977 from Golden Gate University. At this time, Bob and Judy moved to Oklahoma working for Citi Service as the director of transportation, while continuing his education, where he finally received his doctorate of jurisprudence in 1981.

Bob began his law career with Mortgage Clearing Corporation in real estate law. He moved to LegalShield Riggs & Abney Law, where he advised clients in real estate, estate, and other legal issues through telephone consultation, working on the day he passed away.

Bob had been a faithful community servant through his participation with the Masonic Lodge and Shriner organizations. He became a master mason in 1988, was a Perpetual Member of the Sand Spring Lodge 475 AFAM and served as Worshipful Master in 1990. Bob also joined the Shriner working as the Director of Staff and Potentate in 2001 at the AKDAR Shrine in Tulsa.

He enjoyed hunting, fishing and traveling with his family to Idaho. He taught his granddaughter to fish and grandsons to play chess. Bob was a loving husband, father and grandfather.

Survivors include his wife of 54 years, Judy; daughter Leslie Butts and her husband, Carl; sister Virginia Lee Howard; five grandchildren, Ramsey Buehler (Chris), Daniel, John, Elizabeth and Tyler Butts; and other relatives and friends.

Visitation was held Monday, April 3, 2023, at Mobley-Groesbeck Funeral Service and funeral services were Tuesday, April 4, in the AKDAR Shine Head Quarters in Tulsa. Masonic Rites were performed by Masonic Brothers of Bob.

In lieu of flowers, gifts may be given to the Akdar Shrine Transportation Fund.