Port Allegany – Kenneth Eugene Howard, Sr., of Port Allegany, age 88, passed away Tuesday (May 26, 2026) at his residence, surrounded by family.

Born June 2, 1937 in Olean, NY, the son of Ronald and Doris (Windus) Howard, he was the eldest of 9 children. On October 5, 1956, in Port Allegany, PA, he married Carol M. Benson, who preceded him in death in August 2002.

Mr. Howard was a line mechanic employed by the former Pierce Glass Company, now Ardagh Company of Port Allegany, PA. He was known for his love of horses and trapping. He found joy in family, country music, square dancing, and being a leader of the 4-H group (Lucky Horse Shoes) for several years. He was a horse farrier and blacksmith for many years, tending his own and customers’ horses within a hundred mile radius.Losing his vision through a stroke in 2009 slowed him down, but he didn’t give up his independence or his work ethic. He took up a new hobby, wood turning, and produced hundreds of bowls, lamps, and toys for his and others’ enjoyment. 

He is survived by:

Five sons: Kenneth E. Howard, Jr. of Port Allegany, Keith (Elizabeth) Howard of Turtlepoint, Stephen (Janice) Howard of Port Allegany, Mark (Latisha) Howard of Port Allegany and Jonathan (Tammy) Howard of Smethport

One daughter: Kimberly (Tim) Richards of Allegany, NY

Twenty-two grandchildren and many great grandchildren

Three brothers: Darrell Howard of Portville, NY, Ralph (Darlene) Howard of Tennessee and Phillip Howard of Bradford

Three sisters: Ronda Dickerson of Cuba, NY, Alice (Joe) Waggoner of Monaca, PA and Pamela (Terry) Hughes-Kemp of Tennessee

And many nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents and wife, Ken was preceded in death by two infant siblings, Walter and Ethlyn Howard.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, May 28, 2026, from 2-4 and 6-8PM at Hartle-Tarbox Funeral Homes Inc., 105 Main St., Port Allegany, PA. Funeral services will be held on Friday, May 29, at the Birch Grove Mennonite Church, Two Mile Rd., at 11AM, with pastors Ralph Howard and Rev. Dale Detweiler, officiating. Burial will be in Annin Creek Cemetery with Kenneth Howard, Jr. officiating the graveside service.In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Birch Grove Mennonite Church, Port Allegany. Online condolences may be made at www.hartle-tarboxfuneralhomes.com.

Arrangements are under the direction of the Hartle-Tarbox Funeral Homes, Inc., Port Allegany.