William Patrick 'Pat' Howard, a 77-year-old male from Holly, Michigan, was tragically killed in a mass shooting at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Grand Blanc on Sunday, September 28, 2025. Howard was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather, known for his unwavering faith and love for his family. A veteran of the U.S. Army who served in Korea during the Vietnam War, he later worked for over 30 years as a train dispatcher for the Grand Trunk Western Railroad.
On the
morning of the attack, Howard was attending church services with his wife, Kitty, who was not physically injured in the incident. The shooter, identified as 40-year-old Thomas Jacob Sanford, drove his truck into the church building before opening fire on the congregation and setting the building ablaze. Four people, including Howard, were killed in the attack, and several others were wounded.
The suspect, Thomas Sanford, was killed in a shootout with two law enforcement officers who responded to the scene. Friends of Sanford later reported that he had harbored a long-standing hatred for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. This animosity reportedly developed years prior after a breakup with a girlfriend who was a member of the church. Just days before the attack, Sanford had expressed his anti-Mormon sentiments to a local city council candidate.
Howard was remembered by his family and friends as a pillar of strength, humility, and love. His niece described him as smart, kind, funny, and a man who deeply loved his family. He was an avid reader of nonfiction, a writer, and a student of the U.S. Constitution. His interests also included music, cooking, and building a model train set.
