| The members of the Sykesville-Freedom District Fire Department are saddened to share the passing of our brother and friend, Richard T. Howes.
Obituary, courtesy of Haight Funeral Home:
Richard T. Howes, age 90, was born on June 29, 1936, in West Friendship, MD, and passed away on August 20, 2026, at Carroll Hospital in Westminster, MD, lived a long and meaningful life marked by devotion to family and service to community.
He was the son of the late Herman Howes and Blanche (Campbell) Howes. He was the beloved husband of the late Helen F. Howes, who died in 2025, and together they shared a life built on love, loyalty, and family. He is survived by his daughter, Julianna Howes of Sykesville; his son, Richard T. “Tommy” Howes, Jr. and his wife Anne Marie of Sykesville; his brother, Alvin L. Howes and his wife Shirley of Trinity, FL; his grandsons, Trey Howes and his wife Courtney and Justin Howes and his fiancée Fallon; and his great-grandsons, Ridley and Henry. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by his brothers Ralph, Warren, and Irvin Howes.
Richard was a graduate of Howard High School, and after graduation he served his country in the United States Army military police. His sense of duty and discipline carried throughout his life, and he remained a man who believed in hard work, responsibility, and doing what was right. Following his military service, he became a long-time and well-known painter in the Sykesville area, where his work and reputation were known for many years.
He was deeply dedicated to his family and community, and he gave generously of his time and talents to many organizations. Richard was a life member of the Sykesville-Freedom District Fire Department, where he served as Vice-President and as chairman of the carnival for many years. He was also a faithful and dedicated member of the Sykesville-South Carroll Rotary Club, where he maintained perfect attendance for more than 40 years and was honored with the Paul Harris Award. In addition, he served as treasurer of the Sykesville-South Carroll Rotary Foundation. He was a longtime member of St. Paul's - Gaither United Methodist Churches and was also a member of the Sykesville American Legion Post #223.
Richard found joy in simple pleasures and in the company of those he loved. He enjoyed growing vegetables in his garden. He was an avid fan of the Baltimore Orioles and the former Baltimore Colts. Above all, his greatest love was his grandsons, and he was devoted to attending their sporting events and sharing many trips to Harpers Ferry with them over the years.
The family will receive friends at a memorial gathering from 11 AM to 12PM on Friday, September 18, 2026, at Haight Funeral Home & Chapel, 6416 Sykesville Road, Sykesville followed by a memorial service at 12pm at the funeral home with his pastor, Rev. Christopher Guyer officiating. Interment will be private.
Those desiring may make memorial donations to Gaither United Methodist Church, 7701 Gaither Road, Sykesville, MD 21784, the Sykesville-South Carroll Rotary Foundation, PO Box 1213, Sykesville, MD 21784 or to the Sykesville-Freedom District Fire Department, PO Box 275, Sykesville, MD 21784.
Online condolences may be offered at www.haightfuneralhome.com |
