My name is Joseph Van Howard Jr, but people call me Joe. I was born on November 9, 1942 in Warren, Ohio to the late Joe V Howard Sr and Elizabeth Walker. At a very young age I left Ohio and moved to Detroit, MI.

I was in the United States Army from 1963 - 1967 and also the Army Reserves for 2 years. I worked numerous jobs throughout my life in construction, customer service, factories, etc...

I enjoyed playing cards (Poker), bowling, playing pool and spending quality time with the family.

I belonged to the Masonic Meridian Lodge #17 in Fairmont, WV as a Past Master.

In addition to my parents 3 brothers preceded me in death. Robert (Bob) Anthony, James (Bo) Howard and Jerome Hartford. 3 sisters Joan Ingram, Jeanette Anthony, and Betty Washington. Son Joe Van Howard III and Great-granddaughter Taylor Derosa.

I leave to cherish my life, my wife of 43 years Debby Howard. My Children who I adore Charlotte (Marshall) Boyce of Savannah, Ga., Tonya (Randy) Smith of Cibolo, TX., Rosemary (Virgil) Williams of Detroit, Mi., Joy (Keenan) Wells of Detroit, Mi., David (Sonja) Longwell of Fairmont, WV., Jason (Gianna) Howard of Fairmont, WV and Jessica Howard of Hickory, NC. Two siblings Lloyd ``Little Man" (LaQuita) Moore of Grant Town, WV., Georgette "Susie" (Sam) Passmore and a host of nieces, nephews and friends.

My beautiful Grand-Children who called me "Papap" and who I was so proud of: Marshall Jr(Laquoshia), Cortisha, Kita, Lamar, Woodson Jr, Leonard, Lester, Justin, Joe IV, Anna, Kienna, Najah, Carl, Jason, Janyra, Jayrel, Rey, Jiaviar, Je'Ziyah, Je'Myah, 25 Great-Grandchildren and 2 Great Great-Grandchildren.

The family will receive friends at Domico Funeral Home, 414 Gaston Avenue in Fairmont, on Friday, July 28, 2023 from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. The funeral will be on Saturday, July 29, 2023 at 12:00 p.m. with Randy Smith officiating. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.domicofh.com.