Born in Hodgenville, Kentucky. Graduated from University of Kentucky. Received Ph.D. from University of Virginia. Economics instructor at the University of Virginia. Married to Edith Owen Sisk with three daughters.

He began working at the mint in 1933. Superintendent of the Silver Unit of the
Mint Bureau. Appointed assistant to the Director of the Mint in 1939. Acting Mint Director in 1944. He took an active role in attempts to recover 1933 Double Eagles sold to collectors.

He served as director of the Treasury Office of Domestic Gold and Silver Operations from 1961 until his retirement in 1968. He was awarded the department’s highest honor, the Alexander Hamilton award.

Howard died at Martha Jefferson Memorial Hospital in Charlottesville, Virginia. He is buried at Columbia Gardens Cemetery in Arlington, Virginia.