In memory of "RICKY" Fredrick Paul Howk III

On 8/28/25, our brother, who was the father of two amazing little boys, a veteran with the U.S. Marine Corps, avid outdoorsman, and a man with the biggest heart you could imagine, walked into the hospital for mental health assistance. He had a rucksack packed with hospital-approved clothing as he had been down this road before, as he suffered from PTSD, manic bipolar, and was in the midst of a manic episode with hallucinations. When negligently he was given the opportunity to gain access to a firearm and end his life. This was the second Mercy West hospital in 2 days that failed to help him in crisis.

This GoFundMe will be utilized for memorial service costs, the unexpected legal costs for an attorney for probate court and associated filings due to Ohio law, the durable POA we have is null and void upon death regardless of what it says, and resources to start a legal case against the hospital. Any proceeds left over will be set up in a trust fund for his two little boys, ages 5 and 10. As my sister and I are prepared to handle things financially, we unfortunately do not have the means to stretch quite that far. Any help would be greatly appreciated, even if it is just a share.

The date and location of services are pending as we are currently waiting on the completion of the death certificate. We are hoping for Friday or Saturday of next week. Services will also be streamed for those that are unable to come to Ohio.