Howard Roy Bricker, born on September 7, 1936, passed away on August 2, 2026, just shy of his 90th birthday- a celebration he was looking forward to. Howard left behind a life of adventure, love and devotion to his family and country. He will be forever cherished by those who knew and loved him.
Howard was born in Walkerton, IN to Roy James Bricker and Dora “Helen” Stutsman (nee Bricker-Tate). He grew up in Southbend, IN, after his father found work there. After beginning kindergarten, he excelled and was placed in the 1st grade prior to the end of the school year. As a young boy, he had a dog that followed him everywhere. His parents divorced in 1950 and both remarried, Roy to Mary Jane Thomas (nee Norman-Bricker) and Helen to Alfred Preston Tate. As a teenager, he worked at a farm for a nearby neighbor, doing various jobs on the farm. He was allowed to graduate early from high school to enter the USAF before the Gl bill was passed. He was enlisted for 4 years and then retired. However, upon retirement, he was not able to find work and he re-enlisted. He had just met Delores Y. Everman, and they were married shortly thereafter in 1959.
While in the USAF Howard worked as a cryptographer, worked in communications and computer technology. He served in many States across the nation and in various countries, including Turkey, Taiwan, the Philippines and Japan. In his younger years, he enjoyed building ham radios. He was a certified open water diver and enjoyed swimming and diving near his Auth Ruth and Uncle Oscar’s home in Niles, MI. He was never a sports fan of any kind, however enjoyed riding and owning motorcycles, target shooting with handguns and rifles. In his later years he was interested in woodworking and making things using laser technology.
Howard was a family man while married to Delores. They had four children together, Richard Bricker, born in Honolulu, HI, Liane Scott (nee Bricker), born in Taipei, TW, Timothy and Thomas, born in San Antonio, TX. They enjoyed family road trips and trips to see family in Indiana and Michigan when able. They were divorced in 1978.
Howard had met Nathalie Duke in 1977 while working remotely in Montgomery, AL and they were later married. They had traveled to Washington, D.C in 1978 and then in 1979 to Boulder, CO. While in Colorado, they enjoyed many motorcycle trips, tenting and camping along their way. After 10 years, they pulled up stakes and moved with their sailboat to Key West, FL where they traveled the east Coast of Florida prior to settling in the Tampa Bay area. They were together until her passing in March 2012, due to a long battle with Alzheimer’s
disease.
Howard them met June C. Watkins and they were married in December 2012. Together they enjoyed motorcycle riding, trips in their camper to visit family in Illinois and Missouri. They enjoyed family get-togethers to celebrate birthdays and holidays.
Howard was Catholic upon his passing and enjoyed the traditional Latin service, although he didn’t understand the language. He loved BBQs and had found memories of BBQ’ing with this friend “Big” Jim Stewart.
Howard is survived by his wife, June Bricker, his eldest sister, Mary Lou Barnard (nee Bricker), his son Richard Bricker, daughter Liane Scott (nee Bricker), and sons Timothy (Tim) Bricker and Thomas (Tom) Bricker, many grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Howard’s wish upon his death was for cremation and final his resting place at the Florida National Cemetery.
Arrangements entrusted to Veterans Funeral Care of Clearwater Florida.
Funeral Service:
9/4/2026 @ 10:30 am – 11:00 am
Florida National Cemetery
6502 SW 102nd Avenue
Bushnell, FL 33513
Celebration of Life:
9/5/26 @ 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Heron Baptist Church
18085 Citrus Way
Brooksville, FL 34614
