Howard Bournes

Howard Bournes, Jr. entered eternal life on Sunday, March 23, 2014 in Moreno Valley, California. He was an only child born to parents Howard and Mae Bournes. He was born in Mississippi and was raised in Albany, New York. He spent most of his young life in New York enjoying the snowy winters and the icy streets, perfect for catching a free ride by grabbing onto passing cars. He graduated from Skylar High School and attended Ulster County Community College. Howard served in the United States Marine Corps and is a Vietnam War Veteran. He was discharged at the rank of MP. In 1982, he moved to LA County, California where he took a job with the Lynwood Unified School District. Howard ultimately retired after 31 years as Plant Manager.  A year after coming to California, he met the love of his life, Connie. They moved together to Perris, California in 1994. They married on April 12, 1996 and raised 3 children together; Monica, Adrianne and Andrew.

To those that knew him, Howard was an affable and likeable fellow, always prepared with a few silly jokes and an easy grin. He was known for his infectious laughter, enthusiastic song and dance at birthdays, and his love of “betting on his horses”.  He had an appreciation for simple things such as vanilla salt water taffy, old school cowboy shows, and spending time hoping to instill the same enjoyment of them in his children.

Howard was a devoted father, cherishing special moments with his children. He enjoyed watching his son, Andrew, play basketball and wouldn’t miss a game. He was his biggest fan. He and his youngest daughter, Adrianne, spent many afternoons watching the series collection Kung Fu.  It was a gift from her to him and they enjoyed watching it together. Whenever his oldest daughter, Monica, would suggest they watch a scary gory movie, he would put aside whatever he was doing and join her. To him, every minute spent with his children was special.

Howard was also a devoted friend, instilling deep friendships by giving as much of himself as he received in return.  He wouldn’t hesitate to give assistance or loyalty to others, a sentiment echoed by those around him.

It is through these connections – family and friendships – that Howard will live on and always be remembered.

Howard is survived by his wife and soul mate, Connie; their children Monica, Adrianne and Andrew; his 2 oldest sons Dante and Howard; mother Mae Bournes; his “Nana” and mother-in-law Concepcion; 4 brothers-in-law Robert, Manuel, Victor, and Carlos; 4 sisters-in-law Natividad, Maria, Beatriz and Consuelo, and his close friend, Anthony Jackson. Howard was preceded in death by his father Howard Wilford Bournes.

Howard's family will receive guests for a time of visitation from 4-8PM, Friday, March 28, 2014 at the Evans Brown Mortuary in Sun City, California. His life will be celebrated at 11AM the following morning, Saturday, March 29, 2014 at the same location with a family reception to follow. Committal Prayers with Military Honors performed by the United States Marine Corps will be at 12:30PM, Wednesday, April 2, 2014 at the Riverside National Cemetery in Riverside, California.

---

 Service Information