William Lee Howard, 70, of Bismarck died April 28, 2022, in Washington County. Mr. Howard was a lab tech specialist for St. Louis University Hospital. He was an avid hunter and enjoyed working outdoors. An eighth-degree black belt in Chinese Kenpo, he was a martial arts teacher He had more than 40 years of martial arts experience, holding black belts in Tae Kwan Do, Schuto Kwan, Judo, Jujitsu, Kempo, Kali and Escrima, Jet Kun Do and kickboxing. Born Sept. 13, 1951, in Ironton, he was the son of the late Peggy M. (Moorman) and William V. Howard.
He was preceded in death by his wife: Rose Marie Howard.
He is survived by his fiancee: Carol Jost; a son: Jason (Jennifer) Howard of Pevely; two daughters Candace (Jason) Bruer of Wentzville and Katie Howard of Pevely; a sister: Sally Ann Howard of St. Peters; and eight grandchildren: Tanner (Evelyn) Bruer, William Howard, Aiden Bruer, Richard Howard, Tylor Howard Buehler, Aubrey Howard, Eleanor Howard and Jason Howard, Jr. He also was preceded in death by a brother: Kenneth P. Howard.
Visitation is scheduled from 10 a.m. until a funeral service at noon Wednesday, May 11, at Vinyard Funeral Home, 616 W. Main St., in Festus. Arrangements are under the direction of Vinyard Funeral Home.