Wayne D. Howard, loving father, Peepa and brother

OLEAN — On Saturday (Oct. 10, 2026), Wayne D. Howard passed away at home, surrounded by his loved ones, after a many years-long battle with cancer. Wayne was a fountain of knowledge and his advice was invaluable. His meticulous style and pride in everything he did was to be admired.

Wayne was born Feb. 7, 1948, to Stanley and Donna Howard, Wayne was the youngest of four children, a position that he greatly enjoyed the benefits of. Wayne held a deep love for his siblings and enjoyed spending time with them as a little boy. His sisters, Kay Walker and Ellie Carlson, were like little mothers to him and his older brother Gary “Corky” Howard, who survives, was his best friend.

As a young boy, Wayne spent his time gardening with his family, learning wood working from his father, raising rabbits and chickens, hunting, fishing and teaching beagles to run the bunnies. He was an adventurous child and would often muse about stomping around the neighborhood with his group of pals. He was a lifelong resident of that neighborhood and was given the title of “Mayor of Division Street” due to his sense of duty to his neighbors.

Wayne attended Olean High School, and he was eager to graduate so that he could marry the love of his life, Dianna. Wayne and Dianna were married Aug. 26, 1966, and started growing their family soon after. She passed away Aug. 14, 2026.

As an adult, Wayne devoted his time to his family and to Church, first Christ United and later Grace Gatherings. He was a devoted member of the Enchanted Mountain Beagle Club and spent many hours filling feeders, cleaning brushes, and taking care of clinical duties.

Wayne was a lifelong trucker and proud Teamster. He retired from ABF in 2006 after about 20 years of service. In their retirement, Wayne and Dianna spent their time traveling with the Coasters Club, visiting their friends at the senior center and dancing to the styles of their dear friend, Jack Ellis.

Wayne touched many lives. He was a friend to all and Peepa to many. He taught to be kind, diligent, conscientious and unwavering in our convictions. He believed that family is everything and community is king. There will be a Wayne sized hole in our hearts that will never be filled but the lore and knowledge Wayne shared with us all can never be lost.

Wayne and Dianna’s family would grow to include their three daughters, Lisa (Mike) Howard, Patti (Pat) Shoff and Debbie (Jason) Hatch; 10 grandchildren, Lee, Corey, Jennifer, Joshua, Zachary, Catrina, Justus, Jordan, Wyatt and Chase; and 18 great-grandchildren. In addition to his own siblings, Wayne had a plethora of brotherly love to extend to his sisters-in-law, Carla (Zan) Davidson and Robbin Klingbeil; and he had close relationships with his and Di’s many nieces and nephews.

Wayne was predeceased by his loving wife, Dianna; and two sisters, Kay Walker and Ellie Carlson.

Friends will be received from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursday (Oct. 15, 2026) in Letro-McIntosh-Spink Funeral Home, 646 E. State St. Olean, at which time a funeral service will be held. The Rev. Ronald Isaman will officiate. Burial will be in Mount View Cemetery in Olean.

Please send any memorial donations to the Enchanted Mountain Beagle Club, 2660 Oakes Road, Olean; or Grace Gatherings, 235 N. Union St., Olean.

Online condolences may be made at www.letromcintoshspinkfuneralhome.com.