Mark Howard of Newport, Arkansas, departed this life on Thursday, April 30, 2026, in the loving company of his wife and children. Mark was born on November 1, 1959, in Lincoln, Nebraska, into the hands of Catherine June and Dale Howard.
Mark was known as “Thunderfoot” at Newport High School, where his proudest accomplishment was being Number 83, as the Field Goal Kicker for the Greyhounds. He was a lifelong hunter and fisherman who most enjoyed his days on the muddy waters of Cache River. Mark was often seen with the biggest smile after hauling in a fat catfish or knocking down a double of ducks, while the waters rolled.
He also proudly displayed a wall of trophy bucks in his home, all harvested in the local bottoms. Often a stern hand, Mark was a wealth of backwoods knowledge and was proud to be a “Riverman”. He was, as the quote says, “A Jack of All Trades”, but always held strong to the belief that it was better than “A Master of One”.
Mark is survived by his wife, Karin, the only person with enough patience to calm his wandering soul. The two were married after a whirlwind romance in 1992 and were rarely seen apart. Also surviving are his son, Wes Howard; his daughters, Marla Howard, Irina Reynolds and husband, Cory, and Sarah Lassiter and husband, Garrett; his grandchildren, Madison Howard, Millie and Peyton Reynolds, and Nolan Lassiter; his step-mother, Zelda Howard; one brother, five sisters; a close friend, Jalen Grady; and a lifetime of friends, and his fishing and hunting buddies.
Mark will always be remembered for his sharp, witty humor and his love for an independent lifestyle.
Memorial visitation will be at Jackson’s Newport Funeral Home on Monday, May 4, from 5:00-7:00 p.m.
The Howard family requests memorials be made to People Helping People, P.O. Box 124, Amagon, Arkansas, 72005.
Arrangements by Jackson’s Newport Funeral Home.
