Howard Leeroy Syring, age 86, passed away on May 26, 2025.
Howard was born on February 19, 1939 to Walter and Evelyn Syring in Sidney, Montana, where he learned to work hard and have pride in his work. He finished the 8th grade and went to work full-time on the family ranch until he turned 18 and enlisted in the Navy. He began serving in 1957 and was honorably discharged in 1961. While serving, he became a SeaBee and learned to become a heavy equipment operator and mechanic on all the equipment. Howard met Carol Martin, the love of his life for 63 years, in Reding California in 1958 and they were married in 1959. After Howard’s discharge, they moved back to Howard’s hometown of Sidney, Montana where they lived until 1962. They then moved to Miles City to build their family. They raised three sons and he furthered his career as a mechanic. He started his own business in 1977, Howard’s Road Service. After 27 years of serving the trucking business in and around Miles City, Howard decided to retire. He made a great many friends along the way. You always knew you had him on the other end of the phone and because he would answer Howdy, Howdy or Howard Talking.
Howard was always ready to help in any way he could. He loved to work on heavy equipment and trucks, and helped many of his friends work on whatever needed fixed long after his retirement. He also loved working on trains and worked for the Milwaukee Railroad for a short time. Howard loved to tinker and could fix about anything. His biggest love was his wife Carol and all of his grandchildren and great grandchildren. He also could be found running truck for corn harvest for many ranchers. He loved beet harvest time too. He would help Floyd Gable Sr many times, running and fixing all the things that would break. He worked with Cactus at Charles Moore Inc. for many years. He drove truck for Oftedal Construction for seven years. He also helped Bill Echart, Echart trucking and Spencer Jerrett at Jerrett Construction, working on the equipment and driving the trucks for them as well.
Howard was preceded in death by his father Walter Syring, mother and step-father Evelyn and Melvin Koblman; his wife Carol, son Melvin; brothers: Harvey, Lawrence (Larry), and Doyle; and a sister Viola. He is survived by his two sons, Jim (Kristen) and Jon (Lani), ten grandchildren: Tara, Jaray, Brian, Tim, Randell, Eric, Morgan, Cassidy, Shaylee and Deavyn; and ten great grandchildren.
Visitation will be held on Thursday, June 5, 2025 from 1:00-5:00 p.m. at Stevenson & Sons Funeral home. Funeral services will be held on Friday, June 6, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. at Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home in Miles City. Military graveside services will follow at the Eastern Montana State Veteran’s Cemetery with full military honors. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting: www.stevensonandsons.com.
Service Schedule
Visitation
1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Thursday June 5, 2025
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Funeral Service
11:00 a.m.
Friday June 6, 2025
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Graveside Service with Full Military Honors
Friday June 6, 2025
Eastern Montana State Veteran's Cemetery
259 Cemetery Road
Miles City, Montana 59301
Service Schedule
Visitation
1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Thursday June 5, 2025
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Funeral Service
11:00 a.m.
Friday June 6, 2025
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Graveside Service with Full Military Honors
Friday June 6, 2025
Eastern Montana State Veteran's Cemetery
259 Cemetery Road
Miles City, Montana 59301
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Shorty And Judy says
Our hearts are sadden to hear the loos of a very special man God has gained a very special Angel Praying God to give each a everyone of of the Syring Family Strength now and in the days to come RIP Our Friend you will be missed dearly
Deb Jerrel says
Jimmy, Jon and family… I’m very sorry to hear about Howard. So many great memories growing up with the Friendship of our families. That Howard was one of a kind and just an all-around nice man. He’s back together with sweet Carol, and Melvin. Rest in peace Howie..💔
Jim and Annalise Willson says
We are so sorry to hear about Howard. He was a long time family friend. Howard and my brother Lee Willson worked together at Provost Motors in the 1960’s. Howard was an Exceptional Mechanic, cars or semi trucks he could fix them all. If you needed something fixed right away Howard would do his best to get you on the road again. He was just an all around great man. REST IN PEACE HOWARD!!!!!!!!!
Jim and Annalise Willson
Burl Mulkey says
sorry for your loss He will be missed
Lou Schield says
So so sorry to read this. Met him and Csrol in 1966. Great people and friends. So sorry Jim and Jon
George & Maggie Holom says
We are sorry to hear of Howard’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends in their loss. May he Rest in Peace!.
Pat Linger says
So sorry Jim, Jon, to hear of Howard’s passing. I had the pleasure of visiting again with Howard here this spring. Such a fine, godly man!
God’s blessing on you and your families.
Pat Linger
Joseph H Jerrel says
Knew Howard since I was a little kid.Such a good guy and he will be missed.My thoughts are with you Jim and Jon.
Linda Wolff says
So very sorry for your loss Howard was a special person and will be miss by many.
Rachel Nemetz says
Howard and Carol played a huge role in my life. First they were my God Parents, then they were my daycare providers, then then became Uncle Howard & Aunt Carol. I adored these two people. Howard was a Pallbear at my parents funeral in March and when he walked into that room the same feelings came too me that I used to always feel when being around him. He was so gentle and kind and loving and he still gave that soft safe hug I felt so many years ago.. Uncle Howard you will be missed dearly here but you have so amazing people in heaven . ❤️
Martha Crandall says
My sympathy
jayson Koelzer says
Jim and Jon sorry for your loss, your father was a nice man. I am glad I know him
Russell Bender says
Jim and Jon, sorry for your loss. Howard was a great guy and sure he will be missed by many. Prayers for the family.
Russell
Marcy Stabler Parks says
Jim and Jon, I am so sorry! Your dad was such an awesome guy! My heart goes out to you. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Linda Clark says
My deepest sympathies Jim and Jon. Howard and Carol were my neighbors growing up. Fantastic people. May he rest in Peace.
mark nielsen says
Jimmy and Jon. I am soooo sorry for the loss of your dad, he was like a dad to me just like you guys will always be my 2 little brothers I never had, I will always remember him saying Howdy Howdy to me every time we spoke, He will be missed by many, He is with Carol and Mad Mel, and will be watching down on us, so behave. God always takes the best,
Penny Bonogofsky says
So sorry for your loss what a great person he was
Karla Ross Allison says
Was sorry to hear that your dad had passed away. He was a character! When your mom babysat Noel they included him in everything even taking him on vacation! Well now he’s back with Carol and she’s making him build more shelves for her salt and pepper shakers!lol
Slade and Lynnette Bumgardner says
Howdy Howdy! I had the pleasure of working for Howard at Howard’s Road Service, and also at corn and beet harvest at the Gabels. Always so positive!! Always a can do attitude! Always encouraging! He spoke often of his love for his family!
This is not goodbye- this is until we meet again!
Slade Bumgardner family
Jackie says
Our condolences to you and your family Howard was a wonderful man he will be missed by many
Jackie Dejong says
Our condolences to you and your family Howard was a wonderful person so glad we got to know him for many years
Floyd & Myra Gabel says
Goodbye to a dear friend, but we will see you again later.
Curtis and June Fillafer says
Syring family I am so sorry to hear about Howard. Another life taken too soon. My heart goes out to you and your family during this difficult time.
Howard was an individual who brought joy and happiness to all who had the privilege of knowing him. Life will never be the same without him, but in time, the memories you shared will bring comfort and even a smile as you reflect on the wonderful years spent together.
Howard, may God bless you in heaven. You will be deeply missed. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family, and I hope you find strength in the love and support around you.