Bobby Russell Howard, 70, of Harlan, passed away suddenly on Wednesday, May 3, 2023, at the Harlan Appalachian Regional Hospital. Born June 1, 1952 in Harlan County, he had lived here all of his life. He was a proud Kentucky coal miner, Appalachian artist, teacher, principal and coach. Bob was a graduate of the Evarts High School class of 1970. After high school, he worked as a coal miner, a job he was very proud of, before pursuing his passion to become an educator. Bob graduated from the University of the Cumberlands and Union College with an Education Specialist degree. He was an Appalachian artist with hundreds of pieces that stood out with his unique style. During his career Bob touched the lives of numerous students throughout the years as an art teacher and Track and Cross Country coach. He became known as "Coach Howard" to every student throughout the school even if they weren't on the team or an athlete. Bob had the honor of being the last principal of the Evarts High School and the first principal of the Harlan County High School. He was also a member of the Evarts Baptist Church.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Hubert and Lillian Smith Howard; a brother, Donnie Howard; a sister, Nancy Bird; and his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Wayne and Earldene Powell.

Survivors include his wife of 48 years, Waynetta Powell Howard, Harlan; two children, Page Lunsford and husband, Mitchell, Evarts; and Bobby Howard II and wife, Katherine Lowther, Lexington; a brother, Jack Howard and wife, Rita, Knoxville, TN; and a sister, Jennie Howard, Nebraska. Also surviving are five grandchildren, Taylor Lunsford, Peyton Lunsford, Little Mitchell Lunsford, Bobby Lowther and Janeway Howard; and a host of nieces, nephews, other family and friends.

His visitation will be held Saturday, May 6, 2023, at the Evarts Funeral Home beginning at 12 noon with his funeral service to follow at 3 pm. Reverend Bo Lee, Reverend Sean Daniels and Kathy Napier will be speaking at his service.

Interment will follow in the Resthaven Cemetery with his family serving as pallbearers. Honorary pallbearers will be Scott Pace, Ryan Vitatoe, Larry May, Jerry Haynes and Wallace Napier.

In lieu of flowers, donations are suggested to either Friends of the Harlan County Animal Shelter 21 Willow Drive Harlan, KY 40831 or the Harlan County Scholarship Fund, Inc. 212 Clover Street Suite 1 Harlan, KY 40831.

Evarts Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Bob Howard.