Ronald L. Howland joined his loving wife Ellenmarie, parents and his Heavenly Father on August 10, 2021. He lived a life of service to his county, devotion to church, friends and family and unwavering dedication to justice and equanimity to all. Ron was born on March 27, 1934 to Aaron and Ruth Howland in Houston, TX. He is survived by his daughter Ann Howland Butler, her husband Kevin, and his grandchildren, Andi and Bryce Butler. He is also survived by his sister, Carolyn Park. Ron epitomized the Greatest Generation. As a child of the depression, Ron learned sacrifice, hardship and responsibility at a young age. After his father died in an oil field accident, the family moved to Norman, OK. He was a proud alumnus of OU earning a degree in Business Administration and an ROTC commission as an Army Second Lieutenant. Ron first served his country in an Artillery Division of the United States Army in Korea. While in the military, Ron graduated from the Army's Aviation School, Primary Helicopter School, and finally Army Command and General Staff School. He served in the Army National Guard as a pilot flying over 3000 hours, finally retiring as a Colonel and Master Army Aviator with 30 years of service and numerous medals of commendation and distinguished service. After his Army active duty, Ron worked his way through night law school as a Deputy Court Clerk, having the good fortune to be assigned to Federal District Judge Fred Daugherty. His life was blessed at OCU where he met Ellenmarie, a young, beautiful co-ed studying to dedicate her life to education. She would soon become his lifelong love and wife of 49 years. After graduation from law school, Ron continued his dedication to public service clerking for Judge Daugherty, served as an Assistant US Attorney, entered private practice for a period, and then returned to the federal courthouse as Judge Ralph Thompson's law clerk until being appointed a US Magistrate. Judge Howland was appointed United States Magistrate for the Western District of Oklahoma in November 1978. In 1999, Judge Howland transitioned to Recalled Magistrate Judge until finally leaving the bench in 2008, after thirty years of dedicated service. During his time on the bench, Judge Howland's most challenging moment came in April of 1995 when he presided over the arraignment, preliminary hearing and detention hearing for Timothy McVeigh, the domestic terrorist responsible for the OKC Murrah Federal Building bombing, still considered to be the deadliest homegrown terrorist attack in American history. In the midst of community crisis and national angst, Judge Howland held firm, remained steadfast and staunchly protected the due process of law. For his leadership and stalwart commitment to the court, Ron received the "Reflections of Hope" award from the Oklahoma City National Memorial in 2015. Howland was active in bar activities throughout his career as a lawyer and judge. He was Chairman of the Oklahoma County Bar Association's Law Day Committee which initiated the televised "Ask a Lawyer" program which remains one of the county bar's most successful public service programs. Ron was a member of the American Bar Association, Oklahoma Bar Association, Oklahoma County Bar Association and was past president of the OKC Chapter of the Federal Bar Association. Ron devoted his life to his family, friends and church. From various times, places and moments of his life, Ron amassed numerous friends through his generosity, thoughtfulness and attentive kindness. He was a proud member of the downtown OKC YMCA running group, supporting and encouraging others in their running lifestyle often saying the running community was made up of 'just good people.' Ron was an active, faithful member of St. Luke's United Methodist Church since 1961 where he was an inaugural member of the Upper Room Sunday School class, served as an usher and supported the many missions sponsored by the church and class. Judge Howland served without pride or prejudice, dedicated to the rule of law not the fickle winds of popular thought. He treated everyone, regardless of creed, color, wealth, education or gender with dignity and respect. He strived endlessly to uphold a virtuous, principled and devoted life, serving his community, his church and his friends and family. His was a life of Honor above all: integrity, accountability, responsibility and fidelity to justice, fairness and service. A Celebration of Life service will be held at 2:00pm, Monday, August 16th at St. Luke's United Methodist Church, 222 NW 15th Street. A streaming option for the service is available and can be accessed at stlukesokc.online.church. Memorial donations in lieu of flowers may be made to: The Howland Memorial Scholarship Fund Crossings Christian School Attn: Janice Smith 14400 N Portland Oklahoma City, OK 73134