Gunner Christian Howard, 9, of Beaver, Ohio, passed away on Monday, June 15, 2026. He was born on July 14, 2016, in Chillicothe, Ohio. Gunnar was the beloved son of Cody Christian Howard of Beaver, Ohio, and the late Hannah Nicole Howard.
Gunner had a passion for sports, but baseball held a special place in his heart. He proudly played for Eastern, the River City Rampage, and the Southern Ohio Stingers travel baseball teams. Whether he was taking the field with a glove on his hand or dreaming about one day playing in the MLB, baseball was where he was happiest. He also enjoyed playing basketball, riding his four-wheeler, fishing, and spending every chance he could outdoors.
More than anything, Gunner loved being a kid. He could often be found with scraped knees, muddy clothes, and a smile that never seemed to fade after long days spent playing outside with his brother, sister, cousins, and friends. Family gatherings were some of his favorite times, where he loved running, laughing, and making memories with his cousins. He especially treasured the friendships he built through baseball. His adventurous spirit, kind heart, and contagious smile left a lasting impression on everyone fortunate enough to know him.
He was also an exceptional student who took pride in doing well in school. Gunner worked hard, cared about his education, and always gave his best effort in everything he did.
Gunner is survived by his loving father, Cody Christian Howard of Beaver; his baby brother, Klaus Howard of Beaver; his grandparents, Renee Timothy Withrow of Beaver and Matthew and Nicole Francis of Piketon; his great-grandparents, Wanda and Don Borders of Beaver; his aunts and uncles, Trevor (Jordan) Francis, Dena Leatherwood, Desiree (Ian) Bapst, Kayla Slusher, Chelsea (Derek) Lawhorn, Nick (Autumn) Howard, Donya (Nathan) Howard, and Cassandra (Zach Newton) Nelson; his great-aunts and great-uncles, Harley (Brandy) Borders, Lenny (Ashley) Borders, Shawnee Tackett, Sheila (Dave) Kinnison, John (Vicki) Francis, Mark Francis, and Denisea (Jeff) Tackett; and many cousins including Layla, Donta, Kenleigh, Knoxen, Rook, Brelynn, Olivia, Charlee, Adalee, Kamryn, Colton, Owen, Avery, Olli, Lelind, Nahtana, Maicie, Creed, McKenzie, Timmy, Colt, and Kenna.
He was welcomed into Heaven by his loving mommy, Hannah Nicole Howard, and his precious little sister, Peyton Nicole Howard; his grandfather, Charles “Bub” Howard, and his great-grandparents, Alice Zeallear and David and Louise Francis.
Though Gunner’s time on Earth was far too short, the impact of his life will never be measured by years. He will be remembered for his contagious smile, his competitive spirit, his compassionate heart, and the endless love he gave so freely. His memory will forever live on in every baseball game, every fishing trip, every laugh shared among family and friends, and in the hearts of all who were blessed to know and love him.
“Some boys leave footprints on a ballfield. Gunner left footprints on the hearts of everyone who knew him.”
Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Monday, June 29, 2026 at Eastern High School gymnasium with Pastor Rick Evans officiating. The family will receive friends from 11:30 a.m. until the time of the service at the school. A private burial will take place at a later time. Services in care of Botkin Hornback Funeral Home in Waverly.
www.botkinhornbackfuneralhomes.com
