Charles Edward "BUD" Howe
Bolivar, MO (Formerly of Ava, MO)

Charles Edward Howe, 80 years, passed away on May 13, 2011 at Parkview Residential Healthcare Center, Bolivar, MO.

Bud was born June 1, 1930 in Clinton, OK to Fred and Jennie (Parrish) Howe.

Bud was a resident of the Ava community for several years. Bud served with the 45th Infantry Division in combat in Korea from 1950-1952.

On August 12, 1954 Bud and Betty Lenaburg were united in marriage in Hobart, OK and to this union four children were born. Bud attended OSU, receiving a BS degree in Forestry and Range Management. In 1958 he started his career with the U.S. Forest Service working first in Arizona, then transferring to Ava where he was assigned as District Ranger responsible for the management of the Mark Twain National Forest. He then transferred to Tallahassee, FL in 1975 and was responsible for the development and management of the range land on the three National Forests. Retiring in 1983, he moved back to Ava to "The Ranch" that he loved. Some of the highlights of his forest service career include, the development of the Chadwick Recreational Use Area. He was also instumental in starting a brush spraying campaign in southwest Missouri, which eventually opened up several thousand acres of grassland.

Bud loved his family and was a true friend to all who knew him. He will be truly missed.


Bud was preceded in death by his parents, an infant brother and his daughter, Beverly Howe Merrill.

Bud is survived by his wife, Betty J. Howe, Bolivar, MO, three sons & their wives, Bob & Kathy Howe, Morrisville, MO, Brian & Michelle Howe, Anchorage, AK, Bart & Debbie Howe, Warrensburg, MO, son-in-law, Paul Merrill, Bellingham, WA, six grandchildren, Amy & husband Adam Carter, Calen, Tyler, Jennifer, Erin and Michael and one great granddaughter, Madalynn Carter, three brothers, three sisters, nieces, nephews and a host of other relatives and friends.


At Bud's request a Graveside service will be Monday, May 16, 2011, 1:00 p.m. at the Turkey Creek Cemetery, Ava, MO with full military honors by Ava American Legion #112 and VFW #5993. Officiating will be Rev. Marvin Loftin. Memorials may be made to Neighbors Helping Neighbors, Ava, MO at the funeral home. Services are being conducted by Clinkingbeard Funeral Home, Ava, MO.



Empty Chair

There's an empty chair at the homeplace now…
Now that Dad has passed away
It sits at the head of the table
Like it has everyday.
A symbol of his position in our lives,
A position that will never fade away…

His life formed the foundation of ours
With his actions words and deeds,
He was always there for us
Providing for our needs…

His values, integrity and kindness
Sustained him till the end,
To us he was our Father…
To all who knew him-He was a friend.

Bob Howe 5/14/2011