Merville Glenn Howard Jr.

Merville Glenn Howard Jr., 80, and Patricia Ann (Sauer) Howard, 68, both of Waterloo, died Wednesday, March 2, at UnityPoint Health-Allen Hospital.

Merville was born June 25, 1941, in Waterloo, son of Merville G. Sr. and Mary E. (Stafford) Howard. Patricia was born September 14, 1953, in Waterloo, daughter of Neil W. and Dorothy (Christensen) Sauer. She graduated from Cedar Falls High School in 1971. They have been together since 1975, married September 13, 1987, and attended St. Mary's Catholic Church for several years.

Merville worked as a tow truck driver for several companies until his retirement. Most recently, he worked at O'Reilly Auto Parts behind the counter and as a delivery driver, retiring August 10, 2003. He served as a Black Hawk County Reserve Deputy Sheriff from 1967-1975. Pat worked at the Waterloo Salvation Army until her retirement and then volunteered there whenever she could. They loved their family and grandkids.

Together, they are survived by children: Michelle (Perry) Gamblin and Matthew (Johnna Marketto) Howard, both of Waterloo; Larry Howard of Evansdale, and Jeffrey (Michelle) Howard of Gainesville, Texas; 15 grandchildren; 40 great grandchildren and 2 great-great grandchildren.

Also survived by Merville's siblings: Sharon (Marv) Haack of Fairbank, Mary Lou Bumgarner of LaCrosse, Wisconsin, LeeRoy (Catrina) Howard of Waterloo, and Sue (John) Disrud of Waverly and Pat's siblings: Denise (Steve) Pfaff of Indianola, Jacque (Kevin) Karsten of Waterloo, Annette (Paul) Reker of New Ulm, Minnesota, and Jeffrey (Pam) Sauer of Waterloo.

They are preceded in death by their parents; a great grandson, Rynell Gibson; and Merville's brothers, Thomas and Mike Howard.

Family-directed Celebration of Life service 11am, Saturday, March 12, at The Salvation Army. Livestreamed on Salvation Army Waterloo Facebook page. Family will greet friends an hour before service. In lieu of flowers memorials to the family.