In his growing years the family lived in the Pittsburgh area. He attended Indiana State College in Indiana, Pa and received a Bachelor’s Degree in Music Education and later earned a Master’s Degree at the University of Northern Colorado.
More significantly, while at Indiana State, Bill met Joanne Thomas who eventually became his bride. It was 1951 and his draft status was A-1. After looking over the various services, he chose to join the Air Force where he served for eight years. After basic training he was accepted into Band school at Lackland AFB and the band was then sent to Bryan, Texas.
In 1953, Bill and Joanne were married on June 20th and had a smashing honeymoon (literally) as they wrecked his father-in-law’s car. They shared 71 years together. Joanne had completed her degree in music education as well after Joanne’s father insisted that she complete her education prior to being married.
Soon they were transferred to Biloxi, Mississippi where they were blessed with two sons, Craig and Brett. Because a couple of rambunctious boys were not enough excitement, they decided to re-enlist and were sent overseas where a bonus boy, Blair came along in France.
At the end of their service in the Air Force, they had a job offer in Wiggins, Colorado and Tallahassee, Florida. Having experienced large bugs and hurricanes in Biloxi, they opted for the wild west and moved to Fort Morgan, Colorado in 1959. Bill taught Elementary and Jr. High band and was dearly loved by his students.
In 1969, the family moved to Greeley, Colorado where Bill taught at John Evans Jr. High School. He had a propensity for numbers and acted as treasurer for credit unions and as bookkeeper / office manager for Ideal Services after his teaching career.
Bill served in many community activities over the years, including participating with the Greeley Chorale and many Greeley Stampede musicals. He extended his musical talents at church as an Organist, Pianist, Choir Director and musical arranger.
Bill was active in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as Branch President, District President, Elders Quorum President, Bishop, High Councilor, Stake Clerk, Temple Ordinance Worker and Sealer in both the Denver and Fort Collins Temples.
His life was devoted to the service of others and he was dedicated to his sweetheart Joanne and to his family. Bill lived his life quietly, and allowed his example of kindness, compassion, and charity speak for him to all who came in contact with him. He is loved and missed. We look forward to the day we will be re-united in glory through the grace of our Savior, Jesus Christ.
Bill is survived by his sweetheart Norma “Joanne” Howe, and sons Craig (Marilyn) Howe, Layton Utah, Brett (Cathy) Howe, Loveland Colorado, Blair (Colette) Howe, Greeley Colorado, 10 grandchildren, and 22 great-grandchildren.
Bill is preceded in death by his parents, Kenneth Boyd Howe, Sr. and Henrietta Jane Hall Howe, and his siblings Kenneth “Boyd” Howe, Jr., Robert Hall Howe, John Shirley Howe, and Barbara Jeanne Howe Fabian, and one granddaughter, Lisa Rene Howe.
A visitation for Bill will be Friday August 9, 2024 from 6:00-8:30 p.m. at Stoddard Funeral Home 3205 W. 28th Street, Greeley, CO. A second visitation will be on Saturday, August 10, 2024 at 9:00 a.m. with a Funeral Service to follow at 10:00 a.m. both at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, 501 49th Ave, Greeley CO. He will be laid to rest at Sunset Memorial Gardens, 3400 W. 28th Street, Greeley, CO.
