Dennis Wayne Howard

Dennis Wayne Howard age 79 of Columbia Falls, Montana formerly of Sheridan, Wyoming passed away March 24, 2025. He was born on December 7, 1945, in Mitchell, South Dakota to the late Rev. Ralph Sebastian and Edythe Helen Howard. 

Dennis was a man of integrity with a kind and loving soul that showed itself from his earliest days. Those who knew him know he lived with honesty, treated others with compassion, and led by example in a quiet and meaningful way. His presence brought comfort, his words carried wisdom, and his actions revealed a deep and abiding care for those around him, either by lending a helping hand, sharing a kind word or simply being present. He touched countless lives with his gentle spirit. 

Dennis at a young age worked as a ranch hand and loved the cowboy way of life. He was hardly ever seen without a gun, his trademark boots and his hat, with which he was known to always tip when meeting a lady with a smile. 

In 1975, he met the love of his life and in 1976 he married Kathryn Joy Snyder, with whom they spent 49 years together and in those years they raised four girls. He worked very hard as a logger, truck driver, welder and at a sawmill to support his family. He enjoyed reloading and learning all he could about every gun out there. Hunting was a fun pastime that he enjoyed teaching to each of his four girls, in the mountains that he loved to call home. But his one true family fun time was making sure that as a family they picked the boat they all liked to enjoy on Dickey Lake. He loved to take his five girls out on the boat and listen to country music as they enjoyed quality time together.

Dennis had a heart full of love for his girls. He cherished them all, but it was his wife who held the deepest place in his heart. With a mischievous grin and playful spirit he was always ready for a joke or tickle, keeping the house alive with him belting out Chantilly Lace, or North to Alaska, as he would move around clapping and smiling with the girls. Dennis was firm when it mattered, strong, steady and very protective. 

Dennis was a quiet man that believed in doing the right thing not for recognition, but because it was the right thing to do, he often said if you don’t have anything to say then don’t say anything at all. He believed you look a man in the eye and hold firm in your word, your handshake and always put God first.

One of the girls’ most cherished memories is the way he would look at them with a smile that would reach all the way to his eyes with one eye slightly squinting, it was as if joy itself had found a home in his face. And with that look, they saw love, that simple silent expression held more comfort and connection than words ever could. His girls always remembered him calling them “pumpkin”. It brought comfort, and they always knew if he said it will be OK. It would be OK. In Daddy’s hands they found their home, his hands were firm, his voice was clear, he taught them strength with every joke, each loving tease he gave them roots. A man of honor, heart and grace and the kindness written on his face. It is the love that he gave that they will always carry with them. He was a light, a rock, and a refuge.

Though he is no longer with us in body, Dennis’s legacy lives on in the hearts he touched, the values he upheld, and the love he gave. We remember him not only for who he was, but for what he brought into our lives. He is missed beyond words and will forever be cherished. 

Dennis is survived by his wife of 49 years Kathy Joy Howard; children: Heidi Gerleman (Shane), Bridget Gerleman (Shuan), Tammy Cornett (Mike), and Teresa Emmert (Micah); 12 grandchildren, 3 great-grandchildren; and sister Karan Sherman (Dan). In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his grandson, Wade Emmert. Memorial services will be held June 28, 2025, at Scott Bicentennial Park, Dayton, Wyoming at 4pm. Refreshments following.