Midwest Loses Another Racer

[Mark40H]

Phil Howard of Jacksonville, Illinois, died this week. Phil ran a dry cleaners in Jacksonville. He was very competitive in the pro-class for many years. Phil was a loyal Quincy Welding customer. I am sure most of you old-timers remember Phil. Please keep his family in your thoughts and prayers.

[Master Oil Racing Team]

Very sorry to hear that Art. God bless his family and may he rest in peace.

Phil was a very nice, quiet guy and ran a good race. He ran the national circuit, and we were always glad to see him show up. He will be missed by all his racing friends.

[Bill Van Steenwyk]

Thanks to Art for spotting this information and posting it.

As Wayne stated, Phil was an intense competitor, my trailer partner in the late 70's/early 80's, and a very good friend. I will try to post some pictures and more information about his racing career and what he overcame during that time in the next few days.

Funeral is to be at Buchanan & Cody Funeral Home 1:00PM in Jacksonville, Illinois Saturday, April 28, 2012. Condolences may be left at www.buchanancody.com

[Master Oil Racing Team]

Thanks for that link Bill Van. As a Midwesterner you raced with him much more than I did, and I knew you would bring some good info. If you could Bill Van, would you start a thread on Phil on the encylopedia? I've got stuff to add to your stories, but I think it would be better on the encyclopedia where we can all find it.

ADD: I just went to the link Bill Van provided, and it is very easy to give your condolences. I have never seen this done before, but I think it is a very good thing. Phil was a very special guy.

[ProHydroRacer]

Phil and Jeany are back together again.
He was a good guy. He will be missed by many.
See you at the finish line, may you rest in peace.
Bill & Joyce Kurps

[geodavid]

I am so very sad to hear this. It was a joy to have seen Phil at the last Depue reunion. I was thinking about him and hoping to see Phil this summer. We pitted next to him at one of my first big races. I was impressed with his professionalism and preparation. I became a Phil Howard fan for life. Even tried smoking to be like Phil. When I saw him in 2007, the first thing I asked him was if her was still smoking? Will miss you very much. God Bless You Phil Howard.
Alan

[F-12]

Sorry to hear of Phil's passing. Great competitor, and all around nice guy. Rest in peace, Phil.