La Policía Estatal de Virginia recuerda a Robert "Rock" Howard

Mr. Howard, Virginia State Police’s Longest Living Trooper, Passes Away at 102

Mechanicsville –   Multiple members of the Virginia State Police (VSP) family attended the funeral of Robert “Rock” Howard, 102, of Highland Springs, Va., on Tuesday.   Howard was VSP’s longest living trooper, having served for 33 years in Richmond and Fredericksburg from 1951 until his retirement in 1984. He passed away on May 5, 2026.

Howard will be buried in his VSP uniform at a later date.  A Virginia State Police Honor Guard presented Howard’s family with a Commonwealth of Virginia flag during the service.

“We are grateful for Mr. Howard’s service and enduring connection with the Virginia State Police Family,” said Colonel Jeffrey S. Katz, Superintendent of the Virginia State Police.  “We are thankful for the opportunity to stand alongside him – and his family – one final time on the day he’s laid to eternal rest.” 

“Our grandfather lived a long, fulfilling life, and was truly dedicated to serving others,” said Angela New and Billy Shaw, grandchildren of Howard. “He would be truly honored to know that the department he dedicated his life to honored him in his final hours.”

Mr. Howard was preceded in death by his wife of over 50 years, Louise, and his best friend and daughter, Trudie.  Mr. Howard is survived by his sister, his son, his grandchildren, his great-grandchildren, and his great-great-grandson.

In 2024, for his 100th birthday, Howard visited State Police headquarters and was recognized for his service to Virginia. (Pictures of that event, and the service, are attached)

Mr. Howard’s obituary can be viewed at Obituary for Robert “Rock” Cornwell Howard | Monaghan Funeral Home and Cremation Services.