On Saturday, April 20, 2024, It was sunny and 70’s when the lord took your lost soul home my dear brother, with mountains in the background in Redlands California, no matter the reason.. you are now with the lord. Praying the peace that you were in search of, finally found you. Born September 22, 1980, in Salem Ohio born to Russell D.Lightner Sr, and Dianna (Wedge) Albert James Beal. Howard received a GED, had many odd jobs, a librarian, he was a very well read individual, was an ordained minister and artist. He would be the first to admit that he did not make great life choices for himself but loved his family and the great outdoors, just being free. Howard lived as a wonderer and adventurer of the United States, hiking the Appalachian and Pacific Trails, visiting all but two of the 50 states, seeing some breath taking natural wonders. He chose to do this solo but met many people along the way on his life’s journeys. Howard is survived by his mother Dianna, Wellsville Ohio, siblings Gary Ludt, Pennsylvania, Ursula (Jay) Tharp- Stockport, Iowa, Jessie (Terrie) Ludt, Pennsylvania, Patty (Michael) Hipsley, Leetonia, Ohio, George Exline- Wellsville, Ohio, Christina Rawson-Newlin, Wellsville, Ohio, Russell Lightner Jr, Lisbon Ohio. He had several nieces and nephews, along with a great niece and nephew. Several aunts, uncles and cousins living and non-living. He is proceeded in death by his father Russell and step-father James. A nephew Dylan Ludt. Grandparents-Dorothy and Harry Dotson, Herbert Wedge, Howard and Georgina Lightner. Howards wishes were to have his ashes scattered in beautiful places, and a family memorial, a celebration of life to be held once he makes it home. In closing, song lyrics from one of Howards’ favorite songs… Ah, it's tough out there, a good muse is hard to find. Living one word to the next, one line at a time. There's more to life than whiskey, there's more to words than rhyme. Sometimes nothing works, sometimes nothing shines. Like Hemingway's whiskey. Sail away, sail away, three sheets to the wind. Live hard, die hard, this one's for him. Hemingway’s whiskey.