Max LeRoy Howard

Max LeRoy Howard 86, (August 22, 1938 - August 10, 2025) passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by his beloved wife and loved ones. He was both loved by his family and he profoundly loved his family.

He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Jean; his son Michael (Marla); daughter Debbie (Mark) and son Robert (Liz); 10 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, Irene Olpin and Theodore (Bob) Howard, brothers Richard and Tom.

Max was born to Theodore (Bob) Howard and Irene Olpin on August 22, 1938, in Nephi, Utah. He was the oldest of three sons in an active, sports-oriented family. His passion was basketball, and he sought to play whenever or wherever the opportunity presented!

He graduated from Juab High School in Nephi, Utah and later attended Snow College in Ephraim, Utah. It is there that he met the love of his life, Jean Reid of Ephraim, Utah. They were married in the Manti Utah Temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints on July 17, 1959.

Max’s career in the automotive industry spanned over 45 years and took him from owning a Sinclair Service Station in Lakewood, CO to being named District Sales/Marketing Manager for Big A Auto. He enjoyed both four-wheel and two-wheel motorized vehicles. His trademark truck for the Sinclair Service Station was a dark green 1957 Chevy Truck that had sideboards emblazoned with “Max Howard’s All-American Sinclair.” He also owned a precursor to the Honda Goldwing and would delight in riding it in their backyard.

He is an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and served in various capacities including High Councilor, Young Men’s President, Counselor in a Bishopric, Elder’s Quorum President, High Priest Group Leader, Young Men’s Basketball Coach and Bishop. The Gospel of Jesus Christ and the relationship with his Heavenly Father was of the highest importance and honoring his covenants was non-negotiable – he strove daily to follow our Savior, Jesus Christ.

He will be remembered as a kind, optimistic and caring man whose favorite phrase is “Onward and Upward!”

The family wishes to express their sincere gratitude to the many caregivers and medical providers who assisted in Max’s care. A special expression of gratitude is given to Deborah, Max’s Home Health Care Nurse, for her loving care, concern and gentleness. His children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren also desire to express their complete admiration and praise to their mother, Grandmother and Great-Grandmother Jean, for the constant and dedicated care she provided Max. She truly is an angel on Earth and fully honored the phrase “in sickness and in health” oft recited in myriad marriage vows.

A Celebration of Life honoring Max will be held on Saturday, August 16 at the Windy Peak Chapel of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints located at 11350 South 1300 East in Sandy, Utah 84094. Visitation will take place from 9:00 am to 10:45 am with a Memorial Service following from 11:00 to 12:00 pm. Interment will take place at the Vine Bluff Cemetery located in Nephi, Utah.

The family kindly requests that In lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Primary Children’s Hospital in honor of Max, thus aiding their mission of providing health care to all of Heavenly Father’s children.

Max’s Celebration of Life Service will be broadcast via Zoom. Please scan the QR Code in the gallery section below to access the link.