Col Barry Jack Howard (Ret., USAF) was born on March 25, 1936, the son of Harry and Martha Howard of Wichita, Kansas. He passed away on July 17, 2020 at Blue Skies of Texas. His father was a career agent for the FBI, and his mother was affectionately known to the family as "Little Napoleon."  Barry graduated and was commissioned in the U.S. Air Force from the U.S. Naval Academy in June 1958.  In keeping with his impetuous and exuberant temperament, his 28 years of active duty spanned the globe with increasing responsibilities and steady promotions.  His first hurdle was to get himself into pilot training, and he earned his Air Force wings in 1960.  He was initially disappointed to find himself ordered to a C-130 squadron in France, but it paid off handsomely with an enormous number of international flying hours and leadership training.  This is symbolic of Barry's extraordinary "luck", which often appeared in perilous situations, whether in the cockpit or in his shenanigans at the bar.  Barry soon learned how to get the maximum enjoyment out of any situation.

Back in the States in 1964, he transitioned to fighter aircraft, later becoming an instructor and flight test pilot.  From 1968-69 he was in the thick of the air war over Vietnam, flying F-4's, a "warrior" at last.  He earned several combat decorations: Silver Star, Bronze Star, three Distinguished Flying Crosses, 17 Air Medals. Later assignments included duty at the Pentagon and the Air War College, neither of which curbed his outspoken character when issues arose about which he held strong opinions.  As a senior officer, he developed a genuine sensitivity for the trials and morale of his junior officers and enlisted personnel.  Barry was eventually selected for command of three squadrons and two wings.  His command of the 51 ^st TAC Fighter Wing in Osan, Korea in 1983-84 was a great challenge and reward for him.  He retired in 1986 at Bergstrom AFB, Austin, Texas.

Barry's employment for the next 30 years can be summarized as a problem-solving engineer. He embraced a wide knowledge of computers. To this he added his out-going love of people and a life-time of knowing who to call on for help in tackling problems. In 1997 he began work for the New Mexico Highway Dept. as a consultant and continued in construction work until 9/11/2001 "changed everything." Barry worked diligently to get the FBI to use a proven, secure computer system, but without success.

In 2016 he and Sandra, his wife, moved to Air Force Village II (now Blue Skies of Texas West). Barry was baptized into the Christian faith in March 2019, by Chaplain Gil Richardson.

He is survived by his wife, Sandra; son, Michael Howard of Dallas, daughter, Barrie Lynn Howard of San Mateo, CA; granddaughters, Evan Kuhner of Dallas and Bryn Howard of Austin; brothers, Kent Howard of Indianapolis, IN and Alan Howard of West Hollywood, CA.

Burial will be at Ft Sam Houston National Cemetery with a private service.

Arrangements by Tondre-Guinn Funeral Home. Visit www.tondre-guinn.com