Don Howard, 77, of Palm Desert, California, went to be with Jesus on December 28, 2017. He succumbed to injuries after a vehicle collision, while on his Harley Davidson. He is survived by the love of his life, of 53 years, Emma; his 5 daughters: Cheryl Bowers, Jodie, Susie Brackett, Shana, Sandra Householder; his 3 sons: Douglas, Donnie (deceased), David; 12 grandchildren, 3 great grandchildren, his sister Linda Howard, and her family. Don Howard lived huge! From humble beginnings in Bonanza, Arkansas to living the majority of his life in California. Some achievements he would be most proud would be, more than 30 years as a luxury custom home builder and founder of Cherokee Homes of Palm Desert, (named for his proud native-American heritage); raising his children to love God, setting the perfect example as a loving husband, and being a charter member of Church 212 of Palm Desert. He was an active church member, leading & mentoring for more than 50 years. He took his family to Europe as missionaries with Youth with a Mission, and while in Greece, he ministered to persecuted Christian refugees from Iraq. For the last 9 years, he would arrive every Christmas season at Church 212, as 'Santa Claus, on his Harley" to deliver a stuffed animal to every child. His charitable activities most recently included providing Christmas carnivals for the children of the Mecca area. Among Don Howard's chief interests were piloting his plane, cruising on his Harley, water/snow skiing with his family, Jeeping and mastering the game of golf. Don Howard worked hard, loved hard, played hard, prayed hard and was best known as a fearless leader and family man. The memorial service will held this Saturday, January 6th at 11:00 am at Desert Springs Church, 43435 Monterey Ave. Palm Desert. A reception lunch will be held immediately after at the Outdoor Resort, 80394 Ave 48, Indio, CA 92201. Everyone is welcome to attend and celebrate this extraordinary life. In lieu of flowers, please, consider donating to the Church 212 building fund for the new Children's wing to be completed in 2018 to continue Don Howard's dream of investing in the next generation. Church 212 Building Fund, P. O. Box 13770, Palm Desert, CA 92255 church212.com (all donations are tax deductible)
