Benny B. Howard, 82, of Canton, passed away on Friday, Feb. 3, 2023, after a long illness with his beloved wife, Kay, by his side. He was born in Dallas on Nov. 21, 1940, to Les and Elizabeth (Crumpton) Howard. Benny grew up and attended schools in Dallas, Ohio, and Maryland and graduated from Bordentown Military Institute in Trenton, New Jersey. Upon his return to Texas, he attended Texas A&I University in Kingsville, TX and earned an Associate Degree in Fire Protection from Dallas County Community College.

Benny began his long and distinguished fire service career as a teenage volunteer firefighter in Middletown, New Jersey. His first position as a professional firefighter was with Farmers Branch Fire Department in 1964. He spent four years with the Richardson Fire Department, served as the Training Officer while rising to the rank of Captain. On Jan. 1, 1970, Benny joined the Dallas Fire Department and began the journey that would define his career. Benny loved the fire service and the firefighters he called family. After working at several fire stations, and achieving the rank of Lieutenant, he was assigned to the DFD Training Academy, eventually becoming the Academy Commander. He was an excellent instructor--teaching and mentoring hundreds of firefighters. In 1991, Lt. Howard moved to-the Hazardous Materials Division, and soon began to make an impact nationwide, eventually becoming the department’s HazMat Coordinator. He was promoted to Captain in 2000. Benny also devoted several years serving as the training officer for City of Canton Fire Rescue. After more than 37 years, Benny officially retired from active service on Sept. 4, 2001.

Benny never stopped learning himself--pursuing advanced training and education, helping Dallas become a leader in the field of Hazardous Materials and advanced firefighting technology. Before the term became popular, Benny was a tremendous “influencer” in the state of Texas regarding firefighter standards and regulations as well as education. His work on the Texas Fire Commission Fire Fighter Advisory Committee cannot be understated. The state of Texas is still benefiting from the thousands of hours he committed to this important work.

Captain Howard was highly regarded by his peers, receiving numerous awards and accolades during his DFD career: The Distinguished Service Award (the DFD’s second highest award for valor), John Stemmons Award for outstanding service to the department, Special Recognition Award, Barney A. McKenzie Humanitarian Award for his work with MDA, and the Texas Commission on Fire Protection Service Award to name a few. He was an inaugural member of Texas Task Force One serving as a HazMat specialist, a member of the Fire Fighter Advisory Committee

1940-2023

with the Texas Commission on Fire Protection, and an instructor at the Texas A&M Municipal Fire School for many years in addition to leadership in several state, regional, and national fire instructor and Hazmat organizations. Captain Howard was a founding member of the HotZone Conference, and he served as Treasurer for many years. Benny was the inaugural recipient of the HotZone Diamond Award, which since 2008 has been awarded as the Benny Howard Diamond Award. Following retirement from the DFD, Benny’s hobby became servicing gas monitors for Gases 101 throughout North Texas. Benny was loved, respected, and admired by everyone who knew him. His fire service legacy will endure for years.

The Muscular Dystrophy Association recognized Benny for 37 years of service to the organization. Upon retirement and after being diagnosed with PLS, a form of Muscular Dystrophy, he continued his volunteer service to MDA as the silver-haired magistrate for lock-ups, golf tournaments, and various other fundraisers. Benny always encouraged firefighters during the Fill-the-Boot campaign for Jerry’s Kids because, ironically, he had become one.

Benny married the love of his life, Kay, on Dec. 31, 1983. They loved family and friends, traveling, camping and just being together. Benny was a student of history, especially the Civil War. He took his wife and family on many Civil War battlefield and historical monument tours. His family would be happy to share many memories of cannons and hills! There are hundreds of stories and memories Benny has left behind. He will be missed but never forgotten.

Benny is survived by his wife, Kay; son and daughter- in-law, Scott and Jennifer Howard; daughter, Erin Noel; daughter, Sherri Ramirez; son and daughter-inlaw, Mark and Mary Jeffrey. Benny was blessed with eight beloved grandchildren: Kyle; Hannah; Isabella; Brennan; McKenzie; Sydney; Avery, and Brooks. He is also survived by his sister and brother-in-law, Suzanne and Buddy Shanks, as well as many other family and friends.

A Memorial Service will be held at High Pointe Baptist Church, 101 High Pointe Lane, Cedar Hill, Texas on Feb. 25, 2023, at 2:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that donations be made to The Dallas Firefighters Museum or the Muscular Dystrophy Association.

Honorary Pallbearers are Denny Burris, Richard Hernandez, Ken Deering, Mike McLemore, Anthony “Cleve” Calagna, and Stuart Grant.

Thank you to the staff and friends at Canton Oaks Nursing Home for your care and kindness over the last few years.