ELKHART — Joseph E. Howard, 74, of Elkhart, passed away at home Tuesday, Oct. 31, 2017, from complications due to ALS.

He was born in Bell City, Missouri, Jan. 8, 1943, to Ernest and Ollie (Barrow) Howard.

He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Doris J. (Warren) Howard; one son, Joseph P. (Anne) Howard; two daughters, Danean (Alvie Wall) Spilko and Heather Horvath; five grandchildren, Gabriel Horvath, Emma Horvath, Nate Pierce, Kyle Ferguson and Drake Ferguson; and two great-grandchildren, Elvera Shinkle and Lilliana Ferguson.

He is also survived by a sister, Aleda (Howard) Anderson, of St. Louis, Missouri, and brothers Odean Howard and David (Carol) Howard, both of St. Louis.

He was predeceased by his parents and brothers Elmer Howard, Levoy Howard, Arry Howard, Larry Howard and Buford Howard.

Joe came from humble beginnings as a sharecropper's son.

He moved from Missouri where he was raised to Elkhart in 1962.

He married Doris Warren of Elkhart Oct. 12, 1963.

Joe was a tool and die maker for most of his life and later a real estate agent.

He worked hard to provide for his family, retiring in 2003.

Joe was a proud dad and "papa."

He loved John Deere tractors, finding bargains at garage sales, tinkering with small engine repairs, woodworking, going to classic car museums and his family.

He also enjoyed following professional baseball and college football, and traveling out West.

He was well known for his sense of humor and was a great storyteller.

Outgoing and boisterous with a big heart, Joe was always willing to lend a hand with house and car repairs.

He will be dearly missed by his family and friends.

A visitation will be from 5-8 p.m. Monday, Nov. 6, at the Billings Funeral Home, 812 Baldwin St., Elkhart, where a celebration of life service for Joseph will begin at 11 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 7, with additional visitation one hour prior.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the ALS Association of Indiana, 7202 E. 87th  St. Suite 102. Indianapolis, IN 46526.