Dan Franklin Howard, emeritus professor of art, 93, of Lincoln, died on Sept. 11.
A renowned artist, Howard taught at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln for 22 years, including serving as department chair from 1974 to 1983. He retired in 1996.
Howard was born Aug. 4, 1931, in Iowa City, Iowa, to Mike and Laura Howard. He was raised and educated in Iowa, earning a Bachelor of Arts and Master of Fine Arts from the University of Iowa. He also served in the United States Air Force from 1953-1955.
While studying as a Hawkeye, Howard met the love of his life, Barbara “Bobby” Glaman of Jewell, Iowa. The couple married Nov. 1, 1958, in Iowa City. They moved to Fayetteville, Arkansas, where Howard began his career as an art professor at the University of Arkansas.
Howard also served in higher education at Kansas State University before coming to Nebraska.
The generosity of Dan and Barbara Howard — who died June 20 — shaped Nebraska’s School of Art, Art History and Design. Their support included the creation of the Eisentrager-Howard Gallery, which forms the heart of Richards Hall and is surrounded by classrooms, offices and graduate student studios. In addition, their commitment to the college led to the creation of the Dan and Barbara Howard Creative Achievement Awards and Award for Best Art Historical Writing. The awards have been instrumental in launching multiple student careers.
Howard’s steadfast presence in the School of Art, Art History and Design, alongside his practice as a painter (which he continued in retirement by maintaining an active studio within Richards Hall), served as a model to the practicing and aspiring artists in the college and beyond.
Howard was named as Nebraska’s most highly decorated artist by the Omaha World-Herald. He was the recipient of 100 prizes, awards and honors during his 50-year career as a professional artist and art educator.
His work is included in many collections, including the Smithsonian American Art Museum in Washington, D.C.; the Lowe Art Museum in Miami; Arkansas Arts Center in Little Rock, Arkansas; Joslyn Art Museum in Omaha, and the University of Nebraska–Lincoln’s own Sheldon Museum of Art.
His work is also featured through multiple corporations, including Hallmark Cards, United Airlines, American Airlines, 3M, Pepsi Cola, Holiday Inn, Sheraton Hotels and Conagra. Locally his work is on display at Assurity Life Insurance, Farmers Mutual Insurance and the Lied Center for Performing Arts.
Howard lived a life full of love, laughter and artistic inspiration, all while enjoying Nebraska football, playing cards with Barbara and friends, entertaining, and attending campus events.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Barbara; parents, Mike and Laura Howard; and an infant brother. Howard is survived by goddaughter Donnis Minx; nieces, Martha, Mary and Elizabeth; nephew, Charles Glaman; and many lifelong friends.
A funeral service is 2 p.m. Sept. 20 at Lincoln Memorial Funeral Home, 6800 S. 14th St., Lincoln, Nebraska 68512.
Memorials are requested to the UNL’s School of Art, Art History and Design; the People’s City Mission in Lincoln; and the Lutheran Center (ELCA) at 535 N. 16th St., Lincoln, Nebraska 68508.
The family obituary is available through Dignity Memorial.
