Douglas Almon Howard, 85, of North Platte, Nebraska, passed away peacefully at his home on August 8, 2026, just one day after celebrating his 85th birthday. He was born on August 7, 1941, in North Platte to Virgil Clyde and Lora (Hunt) Howard.
Doug grew up in North Platte and graduated from North Platte High School with the class of 1959. Following graduation, he entered the United States Navy and proudly served his country. After his military service, Doug worked in security for the Sherman Williams Factory in California, having earlier worked for Sherwin-Williams Paint in North Platte.
While living in California, Doug was united in marriage to Georgia Dike on December 1, 1961. To this union, a daughter, Brenda Lee Howard, was born. In 1973, Doug married Brenda Berringer, and his family grew to include two children of Brenda’s, Troy and Terri. Doug first met and dated Doris Reutzel in 1971, and after several years apart, the two reconnected in 1998. Doug returned to North Platte, where he and Doris were united in marriage on July 8, 2000. With their marriage, Doris’s daughter, Stacy, also became part of Doug’s family.
Above all else, Doug’s greatest joy in life was his family. He treasured his grandchildren, Jessica, Andrew, Evan, Anastacia, and Autumn, and his heart grew even fuller when he became a great-grandfather to Aspen, Ransom, and Connor.
In retirement, Doug made his home in North Platte, where he found happiness in life’s simple pleasures and in the company of the people he loved. He was an avid fisherman and enjoyed golfing, playing board games, and sharing good conversation. Those who knew Doug will fondly remember his competitive spirit—and the smile that came with it—even though he never much liked to lose at any game. He cherished time spent with his “Cronie” buddies from the Class of ’59, often gathering with them for weekly lunches filled with stories, laughter, and friendship. Though Doug did not have a biological brother, he was blessed with a “chosen” brother in Gustive Reutzel. Gus came over every morning for coffee, visits about the weather, and especially conversations about Gus’s 1936 Chevy. After Gus finished building the car, he was able to take Doug for rides that brought him joy beyond words, leaving Doug smiling from ear to ear as they headed out in the “Green Machine.” Many treasured stories, jokes, and memories were shared around the table, on the golf course, and near the water—moments that will be lovingly remembered by all who knew him.
Doug is survived by his wife, Doris of North Platte; children, Brenda Howard, Troy Freeman, Stacy (Dave) Walker; grandchildren, Jessica (David) Mosley, Andrew, Evan (Morgan) Freeman, Anastacia, and Autumn, great grandchildren, and other family members and friends who will miss him dearly.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Virgil and Lora Howard; sister Ramona (Keith) Reutzel, In-laws Vernon and Colleen Reutzel, sister in-law Verlien, and daughter Terri.
Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, August 17, 2026, at Adams & Swanson Funeral Home, with Don Bade sharing words of comfort. Inurnment will follow at 12:00 p.m. at Fort McPherson National Cemetery, with full military honors. Following, lunch will be served at the Moose Lodge in North Platte.
The family invites guests to dress casually and comfortably, as Doug would have wanted. Online condolences and live streaming of the service are shared at www.adamsswanson.com.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Quilts of Valor Foundation or the Guardians of the Children Foundation, two organizations that were meaningful to Doug and reflect his love for veterans, service, and families.
Adams & Swanson Funeral Home is assisting the family.