Bernard Hartwell Howard

Bernard Hartwell Howard "Bernie", affectionately known as "Bun", left this earth to join his wife, Shirley Murray Howard, in Heaven on October 18, 2025. Born July 1, 1935, in Bedford, VA, to Ernest Oscar Howard and Myrtle Pedigo Howard.

Bun leaves behind his daughters, Cindy Howard Cherry (Jennings Cherry) and Melinda Howard Haddon (Johnny Haddon); granddaughters, Lauren Cherry and Allison Davis (Chris Davis); grandsons, Austin Haddon and Jake Haddon (Kayla Haddon); great-grandsons, Leo James Davis (whom he joined in Heaven) and Carter Jacob Haddon (Jake and Kayla).

He was a proud graduate of Emory and Henry College where he met his wife, Shirley, and married her on his graduation day in 1958. They were married for 66 years. He played football at Emory and Henry and loved to share memories of his sports career with his children and grandchildren. He was a long time member of the Petersburg Lions Club and was an active member at St. Mark's United Methodist Church. He was a member of the Travelers Protective Association of America (TPA). He was a respected chemist at Snyder Laboratories where he remained active into his early eighties.

He was a proud grandfather to his four grandchildren where he loved attending their sporting events and was their relentless cheerleader. He was a diehard Washington Commanders fan and never missed watching a game if he could help it. He always had something positive and kind to say and will be remembered for the jolly spirit he brought to every room. He was incredibly unique and had a saying for everything. A favorite is "I'm sufficiently agomodized. I've eaten to my greatest animosity, anymore would be a superfluidity". He was full of life and love and he showed it in everything he did, every day. His character, his hugs, his positivity, his zest for life, and his unique sayings and nicknames for his family that always kept us smiling will be incredibly missed.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Tuesday, October 28, 2025, at 11 a.m., at St. Mark's United Methodist Church located at 225 Claremont Street, Petersburg, VA 23805. In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations be made to St. Marks United Methodist Church.