Virgil Edwin Howard

Virgil Edwin Howard, of Collinsville, Oklahoma, was born on August 18, 1941, in Lamar, Oklahoma, and left this earth for his Heavenly home on Tuesday, February 1, 2022, at the age of 80 years, 5 months, and 15 days. He was the third of nine children born to Virgil C. Howard and Dorothy Etta Fidler Howard. He married the love of his life, Barbara Ruth Harris, in Vinita, Oklahoma, on May 23, 1959. He would often lovingly and jokingly introduce her as "his first wife," much to her chagrin. Virgil and Barbara are lifelong residents of Collinsville, where they happily raised their family. Virgil was a hard worker and an excellent provider for his family. He started his career as a Fintube welder at Kentube in 1964 and retired after twenty years. Retirement was not as exciting as he thought it would be, so he transitioned from silent partnership to active partnership with Rahm Fab until a second company was started. Economasters was a large part of Virgil and Barbara's life until they sold the company in 2008. Virgil was very active in his children's lives, sometimes coaching them in multiple sports and always offering his best advice. His most consistent encouragement was to "just rub some dirt on it." He seemed to believe that was the solution, whether it was a scratch, a cleat mark, a broken finger, or a concussion. Virgil's faith, and having been one of nine children, developed within him a quiet compassion. It was not uncommon for him to discreetly purchase athletic shoes or equipment for players who couldn't afford them. He never saw a reason a child should go without. He was everybody's favorite dad and the love that he and his children shared was phenomenal. Virgil and Barbara were united in marriage and life. They were always together, working side-by-side for over 25 years, going to church, shopping, and cheering for their grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren in all their activities. Virgil was very active in his church and loved his church family. He served on the Board of the Billye Brim Ministries and helped teach its toddler class. A generation of children will forever remember him as "the Candyman." They knew him to be the man with the smile, the hug, and a pocketful of candy just waiting for them. Virgil's favorite dates were his wedding day, his children and all 24 of his grandchildren's birthdates, and November 2, 2016, which is the day his favorite team, the Chicago Cubs, won the World Series for the first time in 108 years by beating the Cleveland Indians 8-7. Virgil remained in disbelief that November 2 was not declared a National Holiday. Like all of us, Virgil was known by the name his parents gave him. But he answered to many others, depending on how or where you met him. Many of those closest referred to him as coach, friend, and Brother-in-Christ, but his favorite name was Pop-Pop. He loved his grandchildren dearly and was known for being a fun babysitter, being at every activity and taking them hunting and fishing. He always made them laugh by either telling a funny story, a silly joke, or doing a dancing TikTok video. When you think of Pop Pop, you think of his strong faith, his love for his family and the laughter he shared. The family would like to continue his legacy and kindly asks that you live louder each day by taking the time to share a favorite joke with someone today.