
Buddy Howard was born fifth of six children to Venita Goff and Bennie Lee Howard on April 1, 1959. He was a happy child and he brightened the lives of all around him. He attended Cobre High School and soon after went to work for Sharon Steel Corporation. Buddy found his calling and was blessed with a very rewarding career when he was hired by Grant County Humane Society (now High Desert Humane Society) in April 1983. He served this employer in many capacities for nearly 37 years but is best known as the Animal Control Officer for Grant County. In 2001 he was honored as New Mexico Animal Control Officer of the Year after being nominated by his partner, Animal Control Officer Gino Jimenez. A big reason that he enjoyed his job so much was that it brought him into contact with so many wonderful people, both at work and throughout the county. There is not much that Buddy wouldn’t do for others, and he didn’t usually have to be asked. He was a very kind man and he never held a grudge. When he saw a need he filled it. He had many interests. He was an avid hunter who also enjoyed working on vehicles, singing, dancing, crafting beer/wine, and creating beautiful metal artwork. He was very inventive and artistic, and it seemed he could figure out and make or fix anything. It was fun to be around Buddy because he had a great sense of humor and always had a fun story to tell. Buddy was devoted to his children and stepchildren, and they could always depend on him to help them with any question or project. He was delighted as each grandchild arrived. The grandkids adored him because he played with them and teased them. He made them laugh by asking them why their panties were in a wad, by calling the shower a water closet, and by asking if they were going to search for holes in their eyelids at bedtimes. He taught them whatever they asked, including to shoot and fish. Buddy was a loving husband and provider. He remodeled the family home until each room was more comfortable, more beautiful, and just what he and Sammie wanted.
Buddy is survived by his wife, Sammie; one daughter, Christy Reader of Las Cruces, NM; one son BJ Howard (Frenchie) of Surprise, AZ; 3 stepsons, Joshua Atchley (Alison) of Phoenix, AZ, Neil Redwine (Mona) of Patagonia, AZ, and Jason Redwine (Brittany) of San Antonio, TX; 13 grandchildren, Jordyn (Zack), Wryan, Kamryn, Preston, Penelope, Kaelynn, Anabelle, Lennox, Michael (Sophia), Dominic (Tori), Piper, Orin, and Zion; and three great-grandchildren, Scarlet, Camren, and Julian. He is also survived by two brothers, Bennie E. Howard (Zona) and Vernon Howard; three sisters, Linda Isbell (Randy), LaVeda Kernek (Alan), and Beth Howard; his father-in-law, Jiggs Pace; brothers-in-law GK Pace, Larry Crotts (Bel), Jim Crotts (Suzan), and Randy Crotts (Denice); sisters-in-law Denise Rhodes (Mike) and Natalie Pace; his very dear friend, Louis Leon; and numerous nieces, nephews, and close friends and coworkers.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to High Desert Humane Society, PO Box 1973, Silver City, NM 88062-1973.
A Memorial service will be celebrated on Saturday, January 11th at 10am at Terrazas Funeral Chapels with Pastor Bruce Tanner officiating.
Cremation will take place at Terrazas Crematory. Arrangements are with Terrazas Funeral Chapels and Crematory “Trusted care for the ones you love” ~ 575-537-0777.
To send condolences, visit www.terrazasfuneralchapel.com.