Howard Ray Eiffert

Howard Ray Eiffert, 91, of Columbia, MO, died at home on Wednesday, March 5, 2025, surrounded by family. Howard was born on September 11, 1933, on a farm in north Missouri outside the town of Willmathsville. The family lived at Howard’s birthplace until moving to Downing, MO in 1942 to allow easier access to school.

The family later moved to LaPlata, MO and Howard graduated from LaPlata High School, in 1951. In 1953, Howard was drafted to serve in the U.S. Army. His primary duty station was Fort Campbell, KY where he was a member of the 11th Airborne Division until his honorable discharge in 1955. Howard served as the clerk of his unit and typed orders for deployments. He also served as an Airborne instructor.

While serving at Fort Campbell, Howard spent time off-duty in the nearby community of Clarksville, TN. It was while stopped at a root beer stand in Clarksville, TN, during a ride on his Harley Davidson, that Howard met the love of his life, and wife of 69 years, Carrie Lucille Collins (Lucy). They married on December 17th, 1955, and moved to Kirksville, MO. Howard attended Northeast Missouri State University and graduated in 1959.

After graduating from college, Howard and Lucy moved to Columbia for Howard’s new job as the Assistant Manager of Long-Bell Lumber at the corner of Ash and 9th Street. The job at Long-Bell proved valuable in preparing Howard for his life-long career.

In June 1965, Howard started Boone County Lumber Co. at 1100 Rogers Street. The wisdom and mentorship of Tom Alton and Ray Freese were always particularly appreciated by Howard as he started the fledgling business.

Howard supported professional organizations such as the Mid-America Lumberman’s Association, The Home Builder’s Association of Columbia, and the Columbia Chamber of Commerce.

Howard was a member of Twilight Lodge, Scottish Rite, Tiger Shrine Club (Past President), and Moolah Temple in St. Louis. He was also a member of the local Elks Lodge and a past member of the COLT Railroad Commission for the City of Columbia.

Howard and Lucy loved traveling and exploring by motorcycle. They’ve traveled most of the United States, much of Canada and parts of Mexico. Being on the motorcycle together was their greatest pleasure.

Howard is survived by his wife of 69 years, Lucy, his three children, Brad (Kristin) Eiffert, Columbia, Greg (Terri) Eiffert, Columbia, and Sharon (Darryl) Ward, Centralia, MO; his grandchildren, Kelsey (Matt) Lunceford, Centralia, MO; Tyler Ward, Hico, TX; Samantha Eiffert, Carrboro, NC; Leah (Daniel) Lindaman, Columbia; Kayla (Sam) Knetzer, Westminster, CO; Ryan Eiffert, Memphis, TN; William (Bianca) Eiffert, New York, NY; Benjamin Eiffert, Columbia; and great-grand daughter, Corinne Lindaman, Columbia. He is also survived by his brother, Rex Eiffert, Ukiah, CA.

Howard was preceded in death by his parents, George Lee and Pearle (Snowbarger) Eiffert, brother, Leon Warren Eiffert, and sister Emogene Pearle Eiffert Grindstaff, and daughter Sherry Lynn Eiffert.

There are no services planned. In lieu of flowers, donations are suggested to the National Kidney Foundation.

The family wishes to acknowledge the care provided by The Senior Company, Navigate Wellness, and Compassus hospice. Their professional care allowed Howard to remain in his home until the end. They cared for Howard and all those around him with love, support, compassion and guidance during a difficult time.