Butch was born in Berea, Ohio, on August 23, 1946, to William and Edna Howey. Raised in Independence, Missouri, he graduated from Northeast High School, attended Westminster College, and finished at Park College, where he graduated with a BA in Biology. He later Graduated with a MA in Business Administration from Central Michigan University.
He began working at Lufkin Trailer in Lenexa, Kansas in 1968. From 1969-1989 he worked for Corn Products International, in Kansas City as Maintenance Manager and Head of Safety. He moved to Toledo, Ohio in December 1989 to work for Nabisco as Head of Maintenance and Engineering. He was granted US Patent #6616957 on September 9, 2003, “Method of Stabilizing Graham Flour and Cracker...” He retired from Nabisco in September 2012.
In 1968, he married Linda Boggs and moved to Sugar Creek, Missouri. Together they had two children, Douglas, and Teresa.
In 1976 he fell in love with Sharon Boulware, and they married on March 25, 1977. Sharon’s daughter Sabrena became as his own. Their blended family lived in Independence, Missouri until they moved to Toledo, Ohio, in 1989. Butch and Sharon loved to dance, host parties, play cards, watch movies together, and vacation in Florida. They were married for thirty-five years when she passed away in June 2012.
After retiring, Butch moved to Lees Summit, Missouri, and enjoyed his time playing golf, driving his grandchildren around, and attending their activities. In 2014 he reconnected romantically with Marilyn Daffer at their 50th High School reunion. They enjoyed travelling together, eating out, and each other’s company. They were together for the rest of his life.
Butch enjoyed playing golf and softball. He was a lifelong blood donor and volunteered as a poll worker. He was an avid reader and watcher of historical documentaries. He was a natural coach and encourager. He was known for his calmness, fairness, acceptance, and for his wonderful hugs. He loved the Chiefs and had been a season ticket holder and tailgater since 1972.
He was preceded in death by his wife Sharon Howey, his parents William D. Howey Sr. and Edna F. Howey, his brother Walter V. Howey, and sister-in-law Lanieta Elliott. He is survived by his three children: Rev. Douglas R. Howey III and wife Camelia, Teresa A. Conner and husband Jason, and Sabrena Lea. His brother William D. Howey Jr. and wife Gail. His sister-in-law Katherine Howey. His brother-in-law Jerry Elliott. His stepbrothers John Childers and Dick Childers. His eight grandchildren Olivia Howey, Mira Howey, Attalia Howey, Rowan Conner, Liam Conner, Gracen Lea, Jadon Lea, Skyler Lea. Nieces and nephews Rev. Timothy Howey and wife Cathy, Angela Creach, Andrea Howey, Micah Howey and wife Rebecca, Jeremy Howey, Brett Elliott, Scott Elliott. Eleven great-nieces and nephews. His loving partner Marilyn.
Visitation 1:00 p.m. Celebration of Life and Graveside service 2:00 p.m. at Floral Hills Cemetery – 7000 Blue Ridge Blvd, KCMO 64133 on Friday, December 29, 2023
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