Howard was a 1956 graduate of Cherokee Vocational High school, where he played football for Coach Chois Dyar and Coach Bud Mills. He started as a ninth grader, lettered four years, and was team captain his senior year. He was selected All Tri-County and All-State in 1955. Coach Mills has stated that the two best linemen he ever coached were Cecil Dowdy and Howard Keeton. Following high school he was offered scholarship to both Mississippi State and Alabama. He signed with the Crimson Tide but did not go to play for the University because he was needed at home to work on his Dad'a farm. He has served on the Colbert County Commission for two terms and serves as chairman during his second term.