Ross “Boss” Louis Howard, age 25 of Joplin, Mo. passed away surrounded by his family on Wednesday, July 11, 2018 at Memorial Hermann Hospital in Houston, Texas following electrical injuries he received working on the job.

Ross was born on October 10, 1992 in Joplin the son of Greg and Lisa (Moorehead) Howard. He has been a lifetime area resident, and Ross worked as an electrical lineman for the local IBEW 66 in Houston for the past three years. He graduated from Seneca High School where he played football, basketball, and track and received and Associate degree in Auto Technology from Crowder College. His work as an electrical lineman was a source of great enjoyment and pride. He loved music, and in recent years he taught himself how to play guitar. Ross enjoyed playing and singing for anyone that wanted to listen—and even when they didn’t! One friend jokingly described Ross’s playing as “ruthless”. Ross found great pleasure competing in arm wrestling tournaments whenever he could find the time. He was always willing to lend a helping hand or give you the shirt off his back. Ross was also a source of laughter and quick wit to all he would meet. Ross could talk to anyone and everyone and he was one of the happiest persons we knew, and he loved spending time with his family and friends. We are so very blessed that God allowed us to have had Ross in our lives.

He is survived by his parents; Greg and Lisa Howard of Joplin, his sister; Annie Howard of Joplin, his grandmother, Jenean Moorehead of Joplin, and many loving aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.

The family would like to express their very deepest appreciation and thanks to all of the love of wonderful, caring people supporting us in every way imaginable during this difficult time.

Ross is to be cremated. The family will receive friends during a memorial visitation from 6 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, July 26, 2018 at Mason-Woodard Mortuary.

The family requests in lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the LineLife Foundation. http://www.linelifefoundation.com

Arrangements have been entrusted to Mason-Woodard Mortuary & Crematory.

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