Howard Harold Hoepfinger of Summerfield, FL. found peaceful rest on Tuesday, November 24, 2020. He was 61. Howard was born on July 29, 1959 to parents Phyllis and Howard Hoepfinger Sr. in Clayton County, Missouri. He was very active in school and participated in the Homecoming Committee, Little League, and Sportsman Club among other things. He enjoyed hunting deer, elk, turkey, duck, and quail with his Father, and was a member of the Quail Club. He graduated from BTHS West in Millstadt, Illinois where he spent most of his childhood. After high school, Howard volunteered with the Millstadt Fire Dept. for many years and became involved in stock car racing and the demolition derby.
Howard came to Florida over 30 years ago from Millstadt. He studied computer programming at Valencia Community College and obtained his degree in 2002. He was a Truck Driver for over 30 years, owning and operating his own truck during most of that time. He was also a member of the First Baptist Church of Apopka, where he resided prior to Summerfield.
Among his favorite things were riding his motorcycle and attending events with other riders, horseback riding (at times, for charity), and spending weekends at the beach. He treasured his wife Eileen, whom he married in 2003, and found joy in being with his family. Howard was authentic and displayed genuine care for others. Regardless of the challenges cancer threw at him, he remained steadfast in his fight over the years. To those around him he symbolized determination, kindness, and perseverance. To say he will be missed is an understatement.
Howard is survived by his wife, Eileen Hoepfinger of Summerfield, FL.; mother, Phyllis Hoepfinger of Lebanon, Ill.; sons, Ricky Schobert of Summerfield, Ill., Michael Hoepfinger of Lebanon, Ill., and Joe DiCamillo of Summerfield, Fl., daughters, Laura Gillespie of Muskegon, MI., Jennifer Lares of San Antonio, Tx., and Heather Hanson of Webster, Fl., sisters, Reva Favia of Taylor, Tx., Lavetta Binkley of Missouri; grandchildren Leighanne and Zach Hanson, and several nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, and cousins. He is preceded in death by his Father, and sisters Darlene Hoepfinger and Harleen “Helen” Binkley
A Celebration of Howard’s life will be held privately at a later date. Pursuant to his final wishes, Howard donated his body to the United Tissue Network, in the hopes that his gift would contribute to improving the quality of life for others suffering with cancer. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Cancer Research Institute in his honor. The family wishes to extend its deepest thanks to the nurses and staff of Hospice of Marion County, whose care allowed him to spend his final days surrounded by his loving family, and in the comfort of his home.
I met Howard and Eileen through Joe DiCamillo. He had a great sense of humor, anyone who knew them could see the love for each other. My most Sincere condolences to the family and to Eileen and Joe, my prayers are with you both.
God needed another angel, and he got one named Howard. He will always be with you Eileen, as Al has always been for me. You will see signs when you least expect it, that is called love.
I met Howard through James Carlburg my husband and he just loved Howard. I was fortunate to meet Howard a few times when he came through our town and I loved him as well. He was the sweetest man, with a great sense of humor, and I will miss him greatly. And I know James will too. He was so sad about the passing of Howard. BUT his loved ones in Heaven are very lucky now to have him there with them. Thank you Howard for the laughs and smiles and the great friendship with my husband and I. I’ll love and miss you til we meet again! Rina <3
Heaven has gained another Angel. Howard was a very friendly and giving man. It wasn’t fair that his life be cut short by Cancer but it seems Cancer takes all the good people. I’m proud to have called Howard a friend. He is definitely gone too soon and will be missed by many people including his family. I will always treasure my memories of hanging out at the farm with Howard & Eileen. Rest In Peace Howard you definitely deserve it for all Cancer has put you through.
I am sorry for your loss, I only met Howard once, but know of him from family research for my husband’s side of our family. He was really nice and we have talked over the years how we enjoyed meeting him and the time we spent talking. Keeping his family in our prayers