Howard Madison Bernard, 70, went to be with the Lord on November 23, 2025. He was born in Hutchinson on September 27, 1955, at St. Elizabeth Hospital to the late Kenneth and Lois Bernard.
A life-time resident of Hutchinson, he attended Avenue A Elementary School, Sherman Jr. High, and graduated from Hutchinson High School in 1973.
Howard was a Boy Scout, and a Golden Gloves boxer as a young boy through young adulthood. In 1985, Howard had the opportunity to meet and strike a sparring pose with Muhammad Ali during Ali’s visit to Bernard’s Restaurant. Howard ran track and football in junior high and high school. He enjoyed playing the harmonica, jaw harp, playing pool, painting vehicles, riding motorcycles, listening to jazz music, and telling jokes and stories. Around babies and toddlers, he would often imitate Donald Duck as he communicated with little ones.
He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Michael Snowden; sisters, Charlotte King, Kim Bernard-Law, and nephew, David Bernard. Other survivors include: three sisters, Maxine (Ronald) Johnson, Shelia (Melvin) Johnson, both of Aurora, CO; Kennita (Hosea) Hairston, Beech Island, SC; one aunt, Lucille Adams of Hutchinson; four nephews, Robert Gomez, Denver, CO, Gregory Gomez, Hutchinson, KS, Aaron Green, Las Vegas, NV, Micah Green, Leander, TX; one niece, Jessica Springs, Raleigh, NC; former companion, Tena Dauber, Hutchinson, and a host of relatives and friends.
The family of Howard Bernard extends their sincere gratitude to nephew, Gregory Gomez, and the doctors, nurses and paraprofessionals whose care and devotion made his final days more comfortable.
The family will host a celebration of life in the Spring of 2026 in Hutchinson.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the Food Bank of Reno County, in care of Elliott Mortuary, 1219 N. Main, Hutchinson, KS 67501.