Howard Joseph Kohl III

In true Howard fashion, he took the initiative and wrote his own obituary. We discovered it tucked away, filled with his signature wit, charm, and honesty, and it’s only fitting to share his final words with the world. Howard Joseph Kohl III, age 79, of Fredericksburg, VA, escaped his mortal realm and a few unpaid bills on Saturday, January 18, 2025, leaving behind several sets of mismatched socks, a growing set of Craftsman tools and a multitude of survival items useful in the event of a zombie Apocalypse. Howard is survived by his best friend, Lisa Gallaway of Fredericksburg, VA; his favorite daughter, Michelle Kohl Nicholson (Tim) of Fancy Gap, VA; and favorite son, Howard Kohl (Amy) of King George, VA. He was the ever proud and fun PopPop to six incredible grandchildren, Emma Campillo (Lucas) of Fredericksburg, VA, Lilly, Josie, and Charlotte Kohl of King George, VA, and Faith and big Jake Nicholson of Fancy Gap, VA. He is also survived by the mother of his children and former wife, Cindy Kohl of Fancy Gap, VA. He was preceded in death by his parents, Howard and Peggy Kohl; sister, Maureen Kohl Goldberg; and a certain beloved 1950 Ford. He seriously enjoyed high school and George Mason University. It is only rumors that three educators took early retirement before he graduated. Howard served two years in the United States Army and was quite happy to leave with Sergeant stripes and all his body parts. He retired from the federal government and since then he has managed to only do things that made sense. Howard enjoyed many, many things. Among his favorites were being politically incorrect, cold Pepsi, John Wayne movies, Craftsman tools, cold Pepsi, gun shows, peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, did we mention cold Pepsi?, Home Depot, Guy TV, the prepper movement and above all, his family. Howard died knowing that Jesus is the ultimate role model, though John Wayne ran a close second. He believed hot sauce should never ruin perfectly good food and departed with the hope of finding a heavenly garage, fully equipped for endless tinkering, under God’s watchful care. Howard’s memory will forever be cherished by those who knew and loved him. He will be remembered for his boundless enthusiasm, his steadfast devotion to his family, and his remarkable ability to find joy and wonder in life’s simplest moments. The family will welcome friends during the visitation from 11:00 AM-12:00 PM. Family and friends will gather to celebrate Howard’s life at 12:00 PM Saturday, January 25, 2025 at Found and Sons Funeral Chapel, 10719 Courthouse Road, Fredericksburg. Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you lend a hand to someone in need, just as Dad always did—extra credit if you do it with a cold Pepsi in hand.

Howard Joseph Kohl III

January 20, 1945 - January 18, 2025