His other former students will understand my response when as I heard the news of Ken Howard’s death, I was not sure how to respond. It was late in the evening when I read the report by his son that Bro. Howard had died. I figured I had two choices: I could get in bed and enjoy a full night’s sleep or I could pull an all-nighter without any sleep. I think more than any other professor I had while in Baptist Bible College, I lost more sleep over his classes than any other professor. His tests were the hardest of any in my career. My friends and I would take his notes and memorize them – every page. But, I learned.
I had the privilege to know Ken Howard as my friend, professor, and colleague. It has been about one year since I had the opportunity to sit and talk with him. However, even in his sickness, his kindness, love, and godliness were so evident. I am grateful for him and his service to Christ and Baptist Bible College.
When I found out about his move to hospice, I took the time to go up to his old office in the third floor of the administration building. The only things in that space are his old bookshelves. I stood there and prayed for him as my mind filled with memories of him sitting among all the paperwork and books. The last conversation he and I had in that office related to the joy of teaching so many students over the years. I also wondered if he will tell the Apostle Paul how hard it was to get all the way through either one of his books (Romans and 1 Corinthians) in one semester.
His Story
Ken Howard was born in Middletown, Ohio in 1947. He married his sweet wife Kathleen and they have two children Ryan and Amanda. Saved in 1964, he attended Baptist Bible College and San Francisco Baptist Theological Seminary, earning his M.Div. while there. He taught over 30 years at Baptist Bible College and was beloved as a professor. Almost every graduate for decades took his Romans and 1 Corinthians courses. He loved to laugh and also enjoyed golf, fishing, and basketball. Over the years he served primarily in and with the congregation of Baptist Temple.
His Legacy
As I think about Bro Howard, I think of three primary things. For the sake of his memory, I will provide an outline.
I. He was a passionate man.
a. He was passionate for his God.
1. God the Father
2. God the Son
3. God the Holy Spirit
b. He was passionate for his family.
1. Kathleen
2. Amanda
(a.) I loved to watch how he served his sweet daughter.
(b.) He taught me lessons by observation about special needs.
3. Ryan and his family
(a.) He loved being a granddad.
(b.) He loved Ryan’s service to the country in the military.
(1.) You did not have to ask.
(2.) I heard him ask for prayer for Ryan so many times.
(3.) He did not tolerate anything less than patriotism.
c. He was passionate for God’s church.
1. The local church
2. The church at Rome
3. The church in Corinth
d. He was passionate for God’s Word.
1. Word by word
2. Phrase by phrase
3. You better not interrupt his classroom when he was teaching it.
e. He was passionate for God’s people.
1. A loyal friend
(a.) I know this by experience
(b.) I know this by observation
(1.) I watched him around so many students.
(2.) I watched him around so many faculty.
((a.)) Ray Adams and he enjoyed many good laughs.
((b.)) Dr. Dowell and he served together for so many years.
2. A loyal colleague
3. A loyal church member
f. He was passionate for heaven.
1. As the hope for all mankind
2. As the place where all babies who die go
II. He was a sacrificial man.
a. He sacrificed for Christ.
b. He sacrificed for his family.
c. He sacrificed for Baptist Bible College.
d. He taught even as he sacrificed.
1. Bible college professors do not get paid much.
2. I watched his sacrifice as a dedicated teacher, husband, and father.
3. He did not complain.
III. He was a balanced man.
a. He loved having fun.
b. He meant business in the classroom.
Summary Thoughts
I am grateful for Bro. Howard’s ministry. Many have been touched by his ministry as evidenced on social media as they have described him as a professor, friend, colleague, and church member. Passionate – absolutely. Godly – yes. Loving – no doubt. Always good for a laugh – without a doubt. Enjoying heaven and His God – incredible to consider.
This article was originally posted to Kevin Carson’s personal website and can be found by clicking here … www.kevincarson.com
