Dr. Howard Ernest Mosely was born May 28, 1939 in Centralia, Washington. He was the only child of J.C. (John) Mosely and Iona Mosely. When asked his age he would say “39, it says so on my drivers license”.

Howard was a wanderer by nature. As a child he would complete chores as early as possible so that he could wander off in the woods with just his horse and dog. His love of nature and animals followed him throughout his life. No matter how many times he would say he was not a cat person, the cats would always be on his lap more than anyone else's.

Howard was a great athlete in high school. He played football and basketball, and participated in the track team with shotput and discus. Recently he told his youngest daughter that he actually hated sports, but he loved staying at school, working with his classmates and being on a team.

After graduating from Winlock High School in 1957, Howard’s academic career took him to the pre-med program of Washington State University, but God had other ideas. He eventually found his way to Northwest Nazarene College in Nampa, Idaho. While working on his bachelor’s degree God called him to two things, become a pastor and marry the beautiful, little lady named Dorothy Buffington. He obeyed on both accounts and 63 years later was still happy he did.

Howard had a special talent in ministry, be it as a pastor, chaplain, evangelist or as a missionary. His talent was simply listening. He was always interested in the people he was serving. He was always interested in the people in the neighborhood around him. He was interested in collaborating with other ministries in the community he was currently serving. He listened to them. He cared about them. He supported them. Mostly he made people feel the love and acceptance of God, by truly hearing them.

Eventually Howard’s love for listening to people led him to his next career. He combined his love of medicine from his pre-med days with his pastoral heart and earned his masters degree in psychology. He began working in hospitals and running a biofeedback clinic, where he helped people learn to live through grief and pain. As he honed the skill and took more classes he earned his doctorate in forensic psychology and began to serve men and women in jails. His acceptance, love and interest in truly hearing their stories led him to a long and blessed career in California. Altogether Howard served pastoral ministry from 1962 until he retired in 2013.

Howard didn’t want an obituary about himself, however he wanted to be sure you all knew the One Who rescues us from all sin, pain and grief. Howard wants you to know Jesus. His favorite song was actually the children’s song “Jesus Loves Me”. When asked why that was his favorite song he replied that it really is all you need to know.

Jesus loves me this I know; For the Bible tells me so
Little one to Him belong; They are weak, but He is strong
Yes, Jesus loves me
Yes, Jesus loves me
Yes, Jesus loves me 
The bible tells me so.

Howard loved to serve the people with all his might. However, anyone who knew him knew that there is one who would top everyone. He would love, care for and spoil his beautiful bride, Dorothy. He loved his wife with a fierce and sacrificial love that amazed anyone who knew them. If at all possible, he had her by his side. They were the perfect pair from 1960 when they married until 2023 when they went to heaven just 11 days apart. He couldn’t live without her and will celebrate Jesus with her forever.

Howard leaves behind 4 children, 4 children in law, 10 grandchildren, 7 grandchildren-in-law,  and 13 great grandchildren.