Wayne Thomas Howard

Wayne Thomas Howard, passed away peacefully at home on August 29, 2026, at the age of 77. He was born on August 10, 1949, to Walter Leo Howard and Evelyn Ruth Howard, now Ruth Bingham.

Wayne grew up in Idaho Falls where he graduated from Idaho Falls High School. He continued his education at Idaho State University, earning multiple degrees and certificates. Wayne was proud of his work and spent his career as a Mechanical Designer at Idaho National Laboratory.

Family was an important part of Wayne's life. He married Carolyn Phillips, and together they had five children, Brad Howard, Jessica Hicks, Natalee Snarr, Gretchen Barber, and Courtney Byington.

Wayne was a faithful and active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. His faith was an important part of his life and helped guide him in his relationships with family, friends, and those around him.

Wayne had many hobbies and interests that brought him joy throughout his life. He enjoyed skiing, riding motorcycles, camping, woodworking, four-wheeling, and cooking. He especially enjoyed working with his hands, spending time outdoors, and finding enjoyment in the simple experiences of life.

The family would like to offer a special thanks to the EIRMC ICU nurses, specifically Matt, Clint, and Jake; and Aspen Home Health & Hospice who took great care of Wayne in his final days.

Wayne is survived by his mother, Ruth Bingham of Idaho Falls, ID; loving wife, Carolyn Howard of Idaho Falls, ID; son, Brad Howard (Mary); his daughters, Jessica Hicks (Brady); Natalee Snarr (Adam); Gretchen Barber (Kevin); and Courtney Byington (Lance) of Rigby, ID; sister, Ann Latta of Mesa, AZ; brothers, John Howard and Paul Howard, both of Idaho Falls, ID. He is also survived by 14 grandchildren, who brought him great joy and will carry his memory forward.

Wayne was preceded in death by his father, Leo Howard; his stepmother, Ruth Howard; stepfather, Dewey Bingham; brothers, Glen Howard and Gary Howard; sister-in-law, Saralee Howard; brothers-in-law, Fred McGinty and Dave Latta; his wife's parents, Merlin and Sharon Phillips; and granddaughter, Karlee Sue Snarr.

Services will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, September 3, 2026, at the Idaho Falls Brentwood Ward, 2040 Brentwood Drive. The family will visit with friends Wednesday from 6:30-8 p.m. at Wood Funeral Home, 273 N. Ridge Avenue, and Thursday from 10:00-10:45 a.m. prior to services at the church. Burial will be in the Ammon Cemetery.