JOHN THOMAS HOWARD, known as “Luke” age 76, passed away peacefully December 17, 2022 at Atrium Hospice of Union County, Monroe, North Carolina. John was born July 25, 1946 in Union County, North Carolina.

After graduating from East Union High School, he was drafted into the United States Army.

John is preceded in death by his wife, Mary Marsh Howard and daughter, Kavis Smith.

Those left to cherish his memories are his children; daughters, Renee (Kelly) Lotharp of Marshville, North Carolina and Rochelle (James) Clark of Ansonville, North Carolina; his sons, Reggie (Jessica) Howard of Kansas City, Missouri and Dedrick Howard of Peachland, North Carolina; and a host of grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

John also leaves behind his mother, Letha Howard of Peachland, North Carolina; his siblings, Herbert Howard of Greensboro, North Carolina, Sylvia White of Astoria, New York, Thurman (Diane) Howard of Asheboro, North Carolina, Arnold (Louise) Howard of Peachland, North Carolina, Hazel (Danny) Chambers of Wingate, North Carolina, Ricky (Annie) Howard of Jacksonville, Florida and Carl (Jackie) Howard of Peachland, North Carolina; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law. A host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

The Homegoing Services will be on Friday, December 23, 2022, 11:00am, Smith’s Memorial Chapel, 604 Salisbury Street, Wadesboro, North Carolina. Interment will be in the family plot of CrossRoads AME Zion Church Cemetery, Marshville, North Carolina.

The public viewing will be on Thursday, December 23, 2022 from 4:15-6:15pm at Smith's Funeral Home.