Howard Anthony Polk was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, servant leader, and lifelong protector of others. His life was defined by integrity, curiosity, faith, and a quiet, steadfast compassion that touched everyone who knew him. At his core, Howard—affectionately known as “Skippy” in his youth—was a family man. That calling was shaped early by the unwavering love, guidance, and example of his grandparents, Ethel and Howard Mitchell, whose name he proudly carried. He was further nurtured by a close-knit circle of devoted family—parents, aunts, uncles, and family friends—who surrounded him with wisdom, encouragement, and steadfast support. Growing up in Evansville, Indiana, and on the South Side of Chicago, Howard learned enduring values of strength, loyalty, character, and service—principles that guided every chapter of his life. Howard dedicated decades of distinguished service to law enforcement and public safety. A graduate of the University of Evansville, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Law Enforcement, he served with honor in the Indiana State Police. Rising through the ranks from Trooper to Sergeant and Squad Commander, he also worked as an undercover trooper in drug enforcement and received commendations for exemplary service. His career was marked by disciplined leadership, sound judgment, and an unwavering commitment to justice. A graduate of the FBI National Academy in Quantico, Virginia, Howard completed extensive advanced training in criminal justice, investigation, supervision, and emergency response. He also served his country as a commissioned officer in the United States Air Force Reserves, attaining the rank of Captain. His dedication to service extended further through volunteer roles as a Deputy Coroner for Vigo County and as a firefighter and first responder with the Honey Creek Township Fire Department. After retiring from the Indiana State Police, Howard joined Lincoln National Corporation, where he served for 30 years. He retired in 2015 as Assistant Vice President and Senior Investigator for the Law Division, concluding a professional life defined by excellence, integrity, and trust. Howard was a lifetime member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., where he proudly upheld its values and mission. He held leadership positions at both the collegiate and regional levels, mentoring young men and contributing meaningfully to the fraternity’s work of achievement and community uplift. His honors and affiliations included FBI National Academy Associates, Fraternal Order of Police Lodge No. 85, Indiana State Police Alliance, and a 150,000-Mile Safe Driving Award. Yet, despite these many accomplishments, Howard would wish to be remembered most not for his titles, but for how he lived—faithfully, thoughtfully, and generously. Howard met Geralyn Allen in Terre Haute, Indiana, and instantly knew he’d found his life partner. The two were married on July 13, 1985, just one year after meeting. Together, they built a life rooted in love, partnership, and faith, recently celebrating 40 years of marriage—a testament to their enduring devotion to one another. He was a proud and steadfast supporter of his children, Danielle “Dani” Joanne Hall and Cameron “Cam” Mitchell Polk. Howard attended their activities with enthusiasm and joy and could almost always be found in the stands, cheering them on. He would travel just about anywhere to make sure they knew he was there. The Polk home was a gathering place, and Howard was an unforgettable presence within it. Friends of his children quickly learned the house rules: if you came over, you had to say hello to Mr. Polk first—otherwise, you could not “pass GO” to head to the basement. He delighted in the fact that the kids’ friends were a little afraid of him, though behind that stern exterior was a man who cared deeply for each of them. Howard possessed a brilliant and inquisitive mind. He had a deep love for history and an extraordinary ability to connect events, people, and ideas. He could explain complex topics with color, clarity, and ease, and he was often sought out for his wisdom and counsel. Yet, despite his keen intellect, he was famously stumped by one enduring mystery: whether the dishes in the dishwasher were clean or dirty—a puzzle that endlessly amused his family. A man of deep faith, Howard had an exceptional command of the Bible and a gift for making Scripture relevant to everyday life. His faith was not merely studied—it was lived. His life experiences fostered a profound compassion for those who were downtrodden or overlooked, and it was not uncommon for him to keep money in his car specifically to give to those in need. Howard faithfully served as an elder at North Central Church of Christ and led small-group Bible studies for more than 15 years. He loved engaging others in meaningful discussion, often beginning with a situational question designed to provoke thought, followed by careful and thoughtful study of Scripture. His leadership was grounded, wise, and deeply relational. Outside of church and family, Howard enjoyed a good round of golf, watching the History Channel and Star Trek, and studying the stock market. His investigative mindset carried into all areas of life, captured by his favorite mantra: “Follow the money.” True to that principle, he gravitated toward roles involving financial stewardship, serving as a neighborhood association treasurer, treasurer for his children’s soccer teams, and faithfully counting the church offering. Howard is survived by his beloved wife, Geralyn Polk; his children, Danielle Hall (Aaron) and Cameron Polk (Jessica); his grandsons, Jackson Hall and Phoenix Polk; his mother, Joanne Mitchell; his father, Richard Polk (Roberta); his sister, Karen Polk-Hobson (Kenneth); his cherished aunts, Yvonne Irons, Bettye Vance, and Sandra Sisson; and devoted in-laws, Gwendolyn Moore, Christine Smallwood (Robert), Kathleen Watts (Gordon), and Kermit Moore. His legacy also lives on through numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews. He was preceded in death by his stepfather, Robert Bright; his aunts, Grace Wilson, and Dorothy “Dot” Downer; and his uncles, James Polk, Louis Irons, and Lonnie Sisson. Howard Anthony Polk leaves behind a legacy of service, wisdom, humor, and love. He was a protector, a teacher, a mentor, and a man whose presence made others feel safer, stronger, and more deeply understood. He will be profoundly missed and gratefully remembered. In lieu of flowers, please donate to RockSteadyBoxing.org in Howard’s honor to help fight back against Parkinson’s.