Pastor Olan Howard, 78, passed away at his home on July 22, 2023, surrounded by his family after a long illness.
Olan was born on January 21, 1945, to the late Troy and Launa (Stacy) Howard in Hazard, Kentucky. Being the youngest of his siblings, he was affectionately nicknamed “Babe” by his parents.
In 1974, Olan married Betty Miller in Bourbon, Indiana. Olan and Betty enjoyed 48 years of marriage together, creating a family they treasured. Olan owned and operated Olan Lumber in Hazard, Kentucky from 1977-1997 and Olan Manufacturing in Bourbon, Indiana from 1995-1998.
Olan gave his life to the Lord in 1972 and spent the next 51 years of his life working in the ministry. Olan evangelized throughout the United States from 1975-1977 before settling in Hazard, Kentucky and starting a church of his own. Olan pastored the Apostolic Church of Jesus Christ in Hazard, Kentucky from 1977-1993. In 1993 Olan started the Apostolic Church of Jesus Christ in Jackson, Kentucky where he pastored until 1995. Obeying a call from the Lord to move to Indiana, Olan moved his family one last time and started the Plymouth Church of Jesus Christ where he pastored from 1995-2023.
Olan was an avid bass fisherman in his healthier years and traveled throughout the United States fishing at various lakes. He had a houseboat for a number of years on Norris Lake in New Tazwell, Tennessee and loved to entertain family and friends at the lake. Olan also loved gardening. You could often find him in the summer months in his garden or sitting on a bench at the edge of his garden admiring his crops. More than anything, he loved to study the Bible. He spent hours reading his Bible and loved to talk about Jesus and His word with anyone that would listen.
Olan was preceded in death by his parents, Troy and Launa Howard; sisters: Claudette Stevens; and Janice Collins; brothers: Harold Dean (Sonny) Howard; and Daniel Howard; nephews: Johnny Moriarity; Troy Howard; Jack Moriarity; Joe Moriarity; and Tim Allen Brock.
He is survived by his wife, Betty Howard of Argos, Indiana; son, Olan (Janie) Howard of Argos, Indiana; daughter, Michelle (Ryan) Hensley of Tippecanoe, Indiana; son, Mark Howard of Argos, Indiana; grandchildren: Justin Standafer; Chelsea Howard; Quentin Howard; Dylan Hensley; Kendall Hensley; Macie Hensley; Mark B. Howard; Ellie Howard; and Addalyn Hensley; great-grandchildren: Grayson; Alex; Adaya; Miley; and Eviana.
Visitation will be at the Plymouth Church of Jesus Christ on July 26, 2023, from 12:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m., the funeral service will immediately follow with Rev. Jeff Howard officiating. The burial will take place at Oakhill Cemetery in Plymouth, Indiana.
Thank you to all our friends and community for your support during this difficult time. Deaton-Clemens Van Gilder Funeral Home is honored to be providing services in celebrating the life of Olan and wishes to express our deepest condolences to the family.
Friends are invited to sign the online guest book and share memories with the family at: www.deatonclemensfh.com.
