John Redden

John “Howard” Redden, 87, of Columbia passed away on Tuesday, January 2, 2024 at Moberly Regional Medical Center. Services will be conducted on Saturday, January 13, 2024 at St. Luke United Methodist Church with Visitation 1 PM- 2 PM and a Funeral Services will begin at 2 PM. Interment will follow in Memorial Park Cemetery.

Howard was born in Miami, Missouri on August 25 1936 the son of Jonnie Redden and Willie Mae (Williams) Redden. In August of 1971 he was united in marriage to Georgia Rose Williams who preceded him in passing in 2017.

Howard had a long career as a heavy equipment operator for the Montgomery, Smarr, Shawnee and Emory Sapp construction companies. He join the Union of Machine Operators. He worked his land of row crops, vegetables and livestock. He raised cattle, hogs, guiness, turkeys, chickens and dogs. He went fishing and hunting as often as he could in order to feed his family and for the enjoyment it gave him. He was a strong Christian and held memberships at St. Luke United Methodist Church and Sugar Grove Missionary Baptist Church. He was widely respected and loved.

Howard is survived by his children: Margaret D. (Donald) Rostice of Columbia; Damon H. (Shannon) Redden of Poplar Bluff; Devear H. Redden of Columbia; Loretta A. (Joseph) Okoduwa of Waukee, IA; Desmond H. Redden of Peoria, IL, and Dean Mitchell (Carla English) of Columbia; two sisters: Ada Ralph of Englewood; Gertrude Redden of Columbia; and a host of grandchildren; great grandchildren; cousins; nieces and nephews. Howard was preceded in death by his wife, parent, one brother: Elmer Redden and one daughter in law: Thieland Crews.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.memorialfuneralhomeandcemetery.com for the Redden family.