Howard Deane Hinson Jr

Howard Deane Hinson Jr., born on October 9, 1946 departed this earth peacefully on Sunday, October 27, 2024, leaving a legacy as rich as the jazz music he loved and as steady as his remarkable character. Howard’s journey began in the small farming community of Butler, Missouri, before his family moved to Prescott, Arizona, in January 1949—a place that would forever become his home. Howard embodied dedication and integrity. His life was woven with a love for Prescott and a strong commitment to service. From officiating local sports competitions to tending to the fields for Prescott Parks and Recreation, Howard ultimately became a public servant as a Judge in the Yavapai County Superior Court. Howard proudly attended Prescott High School and remained an avid supporter. Until this day, he has maintained many special and heartfelt friendships with his fellow high school alumni. His early love for officiating and umpiring carried through his years at the University of Arizona, where he graduated with a degree in Public Recreation Administration. Howard’s steadfastness led him to serve our country in the U.S. Air Force, where he earned the rank of Captain. Afterwards, he attended the Arizona State University College of Law, setting the stage for a lifelong career dedicated to justice and compassion. Howard’s commitment as a local lawyer, Deputy County Attorney, and ultimately as a Judge Pro-Tem and Superior Court Judge were far more than jobs—they were expressions of his character. During his time as a Drug Court Judge, Howard discovered his compassion and strength for helping others to transform their lives, embodying his belief in second chances and unwavering fairness. He was a mentor and friend to those who knew him, providing guidance that shaped not only the lives of the people he worked with but also future generations. In 2009, alongside Nancy, Howard took over the Highland Hotel on Whiskey Row after his father’s passing. Together, they poured their hearts into rebuilding it into the Grand Highland Hotel and Courtyard after the 2012 fire, seeing the challenge not as a setback but as an opportunity to renew a cherished family legacy for the Prescott community. Together, Nancy and Howard embodied resilience, standing tall in the face of life’s challenges with a strength that inspired everyone around them. Howard’s love for baseball was one of his defining passions. A loyal Cubs fan who proudly embraced the Arizona Diamondbacks as a season ticket holder and lifelong supporter, Howard visited ballparks across the country and treasured every moment spent watching the sport he loved. He was also a member of “The Goons,” a tight-knit group of local friends who bonded over shared experiences, especially baseball road trips, where they celebrated their unwavering loyalty to one another. Howard’s love of the Outdoors took him on many adventures into the Grand Canyon and the Southwest with brother Mike, and friends, Craig, Ethan and John. The heart of Howard’s life was his wife, Nancy. Together, they explored life with a shared passion for travel and the outdoors, creating treasured memories on hikes and river trips through the Grand Canyon, on the beaches of San Diego, and at Pete’s Camp in San Felipe, Mexico. Those were their best times, filled with laughter, the unexpected curve balls Howard would bring, and sacred time spent with family. Nancy was Howard’s true love, and their life together was a guiding force, creating a home filled with warmth, laughter, and lasting memories. Howard’s family was his greatest pride. He was a loyal, loving, and dependable father to three daughters: Melanie, his eldest and mother to Howard’s grandchildren, Brittany and Alexa. Brittany and her husband, Akeem, blessed Howard with his first great-grandson, Carmelo. Stasia, his middle child, married to Rey and parents to Howard’s grandchildren, Luna and Sebastian; and his youngest daughter, Sarah. He supported their dreams, and each family member carries forward the valuable lessons Howard instilled. Family members include his brother Michael and wife Melinda, sister Barbara and husband Robert with children Doug and Erin, niece Margaret and husband Kyle, Aunt Sally and many cousins. He supported them in life with love and loyalty, and each family member carries forward the valuable lessons Howard instilled. Howard had a gentle humor and a quick wit, a blend of compliance and rebelliousness that made him one of a kind. He modeled his values of standing up for what’s right and encouraged people to do the same. Howard’s love for family extended beyond immediate ties. He was a guiding force in the community, a friend whose presence lit up the room with warmth. His ability to connect left an impression on all who met him. He was the best storyteller—someone who could turn even the simplest memories into tales of humor and wisdom that will be passed down through all of those that were fortunate enough to have known him. A celebration of Howard’s life will be held at the Grand Highland Hotel on November 17, 2024 from 11am - 3pm. Howard’s tribute will start at 12:30 pm. Brunch will be served and good times will be shared. In honor of his memory, donations may be made to Prescott Little League, a cause that was meaningful to Howard. The family is grateful for the outpouring of love from friends and community members who remind us every day of the impact Howard had on so many lives. And as Louis Armstrong sang in a song Howard held dear: “I see friends shaking hands, saying, ‘How do you do?’ They’re really saying, ‘I love you.’” Howard’s life was truly a “wonderful world,” and his spirit will remain a guiding light for us all. Information provided by family.

Howard Deane Hinson Jr

October 9, 1946 - October 27, 2024