Howard Ray Inman, beloved father, husband, and friend, passed away peacefully on March 30th, 2023, in Park Hills. He was born in rural Butler County on November 2nd, 1930, to Clyde and Eunice Inman.

Howard's early life was like many of those growing up during the great depression. The family farm was the center of his world, and working on it with his father quickly taught him the importance of a hard day's work. Learning early that farm life wasn't for him, he chose to go into teaching, receiving his degree from Arkansas State University.

Howard worked in the Missouri public school system for 33 years, first teaching in a rural one-room schoolhouse where he was the sole teacher and often bus driver for many of the kids. Which was fitting in many ways as he finished his career in the DeSoto Public Schools as its Coordinator of Transportation. In the time in between, he taught English and history, was the principal of Athena Elementary, and even coached volleyball.

In retirement, Howard was not one to sit still. He continued to seek new challenges, and with over 20 years of experience as a reservist in the Army National Guard, he took the opportunity to continue to serve his country. Howard dedicated several years to the military before retiring again. However, he still felt he had plenty to offer and subsequently went to work at a local security and alarm company. For the next seven years, he installed and maintained security systems for banks and businesses.

When he finally retired for the 3rd and last time, he set about being a full-time husband, father, and grandfather. Helping family and friends with house projects, enjoying many mission trips with the United Methodist Church, and even more trips to Disney World with his grandkids.

Howard was a profoundly gracious man who always put others first. He was known for his generosity and willingness to lend a helping hand to anyone. He would always start his days with a hot cup of coffee, ready to take on the day's tasks. But his love for an afternoon nap may be what people remember most about him; he could and would sleep anywhere.

Howard was a loving husband to his wife Candy and a devoted father to his children Douglas(Tammy) Inman, Mathew(Kim) Inman, and Andrew(Abby) Inman. Grandfather to Tara, Jason, Kyle, Callahan, Alex, and Alyssa. He was proud of all their accomplishments and cherished their time together.

Howard was preceded in death by his twin brother Donald Inman and his sister Betty Inman. Still, their memories and the love they shared will continue to live on through his surviving siblings, Mary(Chuck) Burris, Ruth Ann Knodell, Hughey (Sue) Inman, and Dewey(Jamie) Inman.

Howard will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and all who knew him. His legacy of kindness, curiosity, service to others, and work ethic will continue to inspire those who knew him.

A celebration of Howard's life will be held Monday, April 17th, 2023 from 11:00 A.M. to the time of the funeral service at 1:00 P.M. at the Horton-Wampler Funeral Home, Park Hills, Mo.

Instead of flowers, the family asks for a donation to the Park Hills Senior Center or 1st United Methodist Church Festus/Crystal City food pantry.