Ernest "Ernie" Howard

Ernest “Ernie” Howard, 77 of Centerville, Ohio passed away on Saturday, March 28, 2026 at his residence. He was born on January 28, 1949 in Jackson, Kentucky to Dexter & Dixie Laverne (Oaks) Howard. 

Ernie graduated from Middletown High School and from Miami University with his Degree in Education. He worked for the Ohio State Patrol, starting in 1971 and retiring after 30 years of dedicated service as a Lt. Colonel in 2001. Ernie also was a member of the Mason’s, where he earned his 50 year pin and letter, also a member of the Scottish Rite, Provost Unit and the Gestures and he was also a Shriner. 

Ernie is survived by his wife of 57 years, Jane Howard, his son, Dexter (Jaime) Howard, his daughter, Francie (Kelly) Kirk; 3 grandchildren, Macey Howard, Riley Howard and Dillon Ernest Kirk; sister, Sue Wills; niece and nephew, Marlinda (Jed) Duff and Donnie (Lori) Schwab and several great nieces and nephews.

 He was preceded in death by his parents; sisters, Frances Lovely and Sharion Schwab; brothers-in-law, Larry Wills, John Lovely and Don Schwab and his nephew, Dennis Baker. 

Visitation will be on Friday, April 3rd from 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm at Spaulding Funeral Home & Crematory at 3805 Roosevelt Blvd. (at Bonita Dr.) Middletown, OH 45044 with funeral services also at the funeral home on Saturday, April 4th at 11:00 am with Donnie Schwab officiating. Interment will follow at Woodside Cemetery.

Please sign the guestbook at SpauldingFuneralHome.com