Larry J. Howard, 83, of Monticello, formerly of Waterloo, passed away at home on Christmas Day, December 25, 2022, surrounded by his family.

Larry was born on January 17, 1939, in Colón, Panama. He graduated from Waterloo West High School in 1958. He married his "beautiful bride" Eileen Morelock on June 5, 1959, at Grace Methodist Church, Waterloo.

He worked in autobody repair and paint for over 40 years, ending his career as owner of Hi-Tech Coatings, specializing in custom classic street rods.

Larry is survived by his beloved wife of 63 years, Eileen; daughters, Lorrene (Terry) Collins of Waterloo and Selina (Gary Jr.) Howard-Grant of Center Junction; grandchildren, Chelsea Cutshall of Hockley, TX and Cody (Janann) Collins of Odessa, FL; 7 great grandchildren, Katie and Payton Cutshall and Brilynn, Colton, Clairalynn, Cason and Cavrick Collins; sisters, Fay Hall of Oviedo, FL and Lois Murray of Quasqueton; and extended family and friends.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Anthony and Guadalupe (Arias) Howard; sisters, Melida Horan and Rita Howard and brother, Anthony "Sonny" Howard Jr.

Larry gained his wings on Christmas Day, how special seeing that the Christmas season was his most favorite time of the year. At times he was the Chevy Chase of his neighborhood, other times he was Santa, standing outside on cold snowy nights waving and handing out candy canes to carloads of children who passed by his home, and yet other times he was an anonymous angel providing "Christmas" to under privileged families.

His children and grandchildren knew him as a man of integrity, always leading by example. He had a sense of humor underneath his reserved exterior, loved deeply, and left a mark on all those who met him. He loved his family, bluegrass music, playing his banjo, his cowboy boots, Old Spice aftershave, french fries, inventing, tinkering, and later in life his annual road trips with his wife and daughters that he lovingly referred to as "his girls."

He will forever be missed and never, ever be forgotten!

Memorial Visitation: 4:00 to 7:00 PM, Thursday, January 5, 2023, at Locke on 4th, 1519 W 4th Street, Waterloo.

Celebration of Life Service: 12:00 noon, Friday, January 6, 2023, at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the family.

Condolences may be left at www.LockeFuneralServices.com.