Scott HowardMay - 12, 1959 - March 23, 2025

    It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved husband, father, grandfather and brother in blue. Scott F. Howard, 65, died at St. Patrick’s Hospital in Missoula on the evening of March 23. He was comforted by his loving wife at the time of his passing. He was loved by most, hated by a few, but respected by all who knew him.
    Scott was born in Missoula on May 12, 1959. He was the only son to Fred and Jeanne Howard. He spent his early years in Deer Lodge, attending elementary school in Garrison. Scott later moved with his mother to Lake Holcombe, Wis., and graduated from Lake Holcombe High School in 1978. Scott always shared fond memories of his time in high school playing sports and spending time with friends.
    In 1984, Scott moved back to Deer Lodge and worked with his father at their small engine shop. In 1986, Scott started his long career in law enforcement working as a deputy with Deer Lodge Police Chief Bill Wood. Soon after, he accepted a sheriff’s deputy position with the Powell County Sheriff’s Office working under Sheriff Dave Collings and later as undersheriff for Sheriff Gerald Fiske.
    Scott was appointed Sheriff for Powell County on July 1, 1995, following the retirement of Sheriff Fiske. He was elected sheriff by the citizens of Powell County in 1997 and remained in that role until his retirement on Dec. 31, 2018.
    After retirement, he worked as a Special Criminal Investigator assisting Lewis and Clark Sheriff’s Office and Powell County Sheriff’s Office. He served as the SWAT commander for the Montana State Prison and Chairman of The Southwest Montana Drug Task Force. Additionally, Scott served as the incident commander for multiple wildland fires and worked closely with Montana DNRC. Throughout his career he assisted with training of new officers through the law enforcement academy.
    Scott was fortunate to raise three sons with his first wife, Violet, in Powell County and enjoyed the time he spent with his boys hunting, fishing and camping. He enjoyed supporting the boys through their sports events and assisted with coaching when he could. He taught them how to be men, how to love, and how to support their family and friends.
    Scott later met the love of his life Michelle K. Howard, and they were married in 2016 spending only a short 8.5 years together before his passing. Though their time was limited, it was filled with many adventures and an immense love. Scott played a role in shaping his stepchildren into amazing people with his encouragement and unwavering support.
    Scott is preceded in death by his parents and half-brothers Gene Mason, Dan Mason, David Mason and Elmer Kreier. His K9 partners Chula, Heidi and Chief; and several other pets including Kimber Sue.
    Scott is survived by his wife Michelle Howard of Deer Lodge; his sons Josh (Dawn) Roscoe-Howard of Ladysmith, Wis., Austin (Mihaela) Howard of Reedsburg, Wis., and Joseph Howard of Ladysmith, Wis.; stepchildren Cheyenne (Bryce) Corbin of Ft. Carson, Colo., Cody Corbin of Deer Lodge and Kaycee Corbin of Deer Lodge; grandchildren Clayton and Cutler Roscoe, Alexis (Blake) Olson, Drayke and Mycah Howard, Grayce, Gavyn, Sophia and Maya Howard, Dean and Liam Corbin; and Tikka and Remington, his two convict Airedale dogs.
    In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Mason Moore Foundation, PO Box 1193, Three Forks, MT 59752 or Deer Lodge FFA, Powell County High School, 709 Missouri Ave., Deer Lodge, MT 59722.
    A celebration of life will take place at 1 p.m., Saturday, April 12, at the Powell County High School Gym, 709 Missouri Ave, Deer Lodge.
    Please visit longfellowfinneganriddle.com to offer the family condolences or to share a memory of Scott.