Roger Howard, 79, passed away peacefully at Center for Hospice in Mishawaka, IN on August 25, 2026 surrounded by the love of his family. Roger was born in Ganado, AZ to Ambrose Sr. and Evangeline (Whitesinger) Howard on November 5, 1946.

Roger was a devoted, loving, and proud husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, and a friend. Throughout his life, he was known for his kindness, humor, and unwavering love for the people who meant the most to him. He shared over 50 treasured years with his wife, Fran. Together, they built a beautiful family that created traditions and made memories that are, and will be, cherished for years to come.

He is survived by his wife, Frances; his children, Craig (Jaime), Steven (Kelly), Daniel (Sara), and Marianne; grandchildren, Alex (Michelle), Lucas, Isaac, Corey, Kylie, Kamery, Carson, and Mira; and great-grandchildren, Jordan, Alinity, Kaya, Addilyn, and Axton. He also leaves behind his sister, Linda, and many extended family members and friends who will forever remember the love and joy he brought into their lives.

Roger was preceded in death by his parents, Ambrose, Sr. and Evangeline; his siblings, Ambrose Jr., Edith, Gary, Noel, and Jerry; and his beloved son-in-law, Brennan. Though they went before him, he carried their memories and the love they shared with him.

Roger was very proud of his Navajo heritage and culture, and to be a member of the Colorado River Indian Tribes. He grew up on an Indian reservation in Parker, AZ. His father, Ambrose Sr. was a Navajo Code Talker in World War II. Roger was always eager to share about his heritage, and would give special presentations to students and groups to teach about the Navajo Code Talkers and the Navajo way of life.

In his last days, Roger spoke about his love of his wife, Fran and how he wanted his family to take care of each other. He said being married 52 years was his greatest accomplishment. In those years, he valued time spent with his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. He was an avid fisherman and passed his love of fishing down to his children and grandchildren. Roger was a talented artist and painted throughout his life. He loved family game nights, and also enjoyed playing with his poker group regularly. His presence brought comfort, warmth, and laughter to those around him, and his absence will be deeply felt. Roger will be greatly missed, forever loved, and always remembered.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his name to the Center for Hospice in Mishawaka or the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research. Visitation will be held on Tuesday, September 1, 2026, from 5 to 7 p.m. at Billings Funeral Home, 812 Baldwin St. Elkhart, IN. Mass will be held on Wednesday, September 2, 2026, at 11 a.m. officiated at St. Vincent Catholic Church with visitation an hour prior from 10 to 11 a.m. located at 1108 S. Main St., Elkhart, IN 46516. Burial will follow at St. Vincent Cemetery in Elkhart.