Earl Howard Jr. was born in Chicago, IL on January 10, 1946 to Atlee Woody and Earl Howard Sr., both preceded him in death. Earl was the eldest of eight siblings: Charles Anderson Jr. and Nathaniel Anderson (both preceded him in death), Colleen Howard, Bernice Howard, Victor Howard, Vernesto Howard and Javier Howard. Earl was raised on the Near North side of Chicago and was affectionately known as Lil' Earl and Chico to family and friends. He attended James A. Sexton Elementary School and Robert A. Waller High School. Earl worked for Lower North Center as a youth counselor. He also worked at St. Elizabeth Hospital as an Environmental Service Representative. Later he landed a position at 7up Bottlers, distributing soft drinks to everyone and that's where he made his career for over thirty years.

Earl confessed his life to Christ. On February 23, 2021 Earl made his transition to be with God. He leaves to cherish his memory a loving and caring soulmate Iretha, five daughters: Sandra, Earletta, Doreen, Tonya, and Alicia, fourteen grandchildren, four great-grandchildren, a loving Family Matriarch: Aunt Bernice Adams and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Visitation Thursday, March 4th, 2021 from 11:00 am until time of service 12:00 pm at Hursen Funeral Home & Crematory, SW corner of Roosevelt & Mannheim Roads, Hillside/Westchester. Interment Oak Ridge Cemetery, Hillside. For funeral info: 800-562-0082