Howard "Buddy" L. Whitfield Jr.

Howard was born October 30, 1942, in Hayti, MO to Howard L. Sr. and Lula Mae (Mathenia) Whitfield.

Howard is survived by his children, Debra (John) Johnston of Camdenton, MO and their daughter, Andrea Johnston; Laurie (Dale) Lehnherr of Belleville, IL and their children, Melanie (Lucas) Reincke and Shane Lehnherr, and his daughter, Heidi Donnelly and Aaron (Lacey) Whitfield of Belleville, IL and their daughters, Mia, Lila and Piper Whitfield; his siblings, Yvonne (Fred) Halvachs, Joe (Donovan) Caciano, Chris (Nancy) Caciano, Charlie (Marcia) Caciano, Melissa (Bob) Daubach, Melinda (Dave) Starkey, and many nieces & nephews; Laurie and Debra’s mother, Barbara Whitfield & his Aunt Virginia Quinn.

Howard was preceded in death by his parents; Aaron’s mother, Sarah Ann Whitfield; his brother, James R. Whitfield; and his Uncle Noel Quinn.

Howard retired in 1999 from Monsanto / Solutia, working as a Master Mechanic for many years. He was known for his love of Bowling and his participation in many leagues and tournaments throughout his life. He took great pride in helping to establish the very first High School bowling program in the Belleville area and would still frequent Bel-Air Bowl as often as he could, even as a spectator in his later years.

Howard also loved fishing and his time on the water. His smile was infectious and was known for his vast array of “Dadisms” and “Howardisms” such as, “I guess ya know”, “Hello… whatcha doin’?”, and “Unbelievable”. He will truly be missed by so many family and friends who loved him.

Memorial donations may be made to Bel-Air Bowl Youth Scholarship Program. Checks may be made payable to Bel-Air Bowl, with attention to: Youth Program.

Howard’s loved ones will be gathering on Saturday, June 1, 2024 from 11:00 A.M.-12:00 P.M. at Valhalla Funeral Home, 3412 Frank Scott Pkwy W., Belleville, IL, 62223. A time of remembrance and Military Honors will be held at 11:30 A.M. at the funeral home, followed by a Celebration of Life at Bel-Air Bowl located at 200 S. Belt West, Belleville, IL, 62220 starting at 1:00pm.