Zachary Daniel Howard

Zachary Daniel Howard, 37, of San Diego, California, passed away on September 29, 2026, at his family home in Abilene, Kansas, surrounded by loved ones.

Born on January 17, 1989, in Manhattan, Kansas, Zach was the beloved son of Dan and Carol Howard of Abilene. He is survived by his parents; his brother, Clint Howard, his wife Haley, and their son Kemper of Abilene; and his sister, Rachel Howard of Colorado. He was preceded in death by his beloved friend River and his grandparents, Martin and Carol Howard and Bertha and Gale Emerick.

Zach graduated from Chapman High School and later earned a degree in Addiction Counseling from San Diego City College. He worked as a house manager with Healthy Life and at Vons Grocery, where his compassion, humor, and steady presence made a lasting impact on countless people.

Throughout his life, Zach lived many lifetimes. He built a wide and generous circle of friends, each touched by his sincerity, resilience, and remarkable ability to make others feel seen. His journey in sobriety was deeply important to him, and he approached it with courage, honesty, and pride.

Family and friends are invited to a Celebration of Life on Sunday, October 18, from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Greyhound Hall of Fame Museum, 407 S. Buckeye Avenue, Abilene, KS 67410. Guests are welcome to gather in honor of Zach's interesting and unconventional life, with light refreshments provided.

In recognition of Zach's commitment to sobriety, we encourage this to be a sober gathering. Following the celebration, friends and family are invited to bring their skateboards and join for one last skate session at the Abilene Skate Park. Skateboarding was a symbol of Zach's joy, freedom, and enduring spirit.

Memorial donations in Zach's name may be made to Grind for Life (GrindForLife.org), an organization that uses skateboarding to build hope and support individuals and families traveling for cancer treatment.