Eldon Leroy Howery

At the time of his death, he was the oldest Lowe’s employee and had worked there for 27 years. He was an original employee of the Joplin store and was instrumental in getting the store opened. During his time there he was a Lowe’s Pro and traveled to other stores to train employees. His specialty was plumbing and hardware and he could help you figure out a solution to most any problem.

His life was filled with adventure and love. Early in his life he was married and had a son, James Eldon “Eldie” Davis who preceded him in death.

In 1995, he married the love of his life, Judith. They met while singing in a church singles choir in Kansas City. They traveled the U.S. together going to NASCAR races, selling crafts at different craft fairs, and enjoying each other and all the sights. They were masters at the projects they created and painted.

While living in Kansas City, his creativity was used to create displays for many holidays and they were amazing to see. They were even featured on the national news one year.

He was a morning staple on “Good Morning 4States” for a number of years, giving helpful tips on repairs, bugs, and many other subjects.

After the Joplin Tornado hit, he created a place to feed the birds and memorialized his wife, Judith and her cat Boots. It has become an icon in the community and more information can be found on Facebook at “The Joplin Bird Tree”.

He lived life on his terms and giving his all to the world. He was a musician, song writer, story teller, creative genius, and business owner. He was generous and kind and was always finding ways to share Jesus with those he met. He supported the CCUMC children’s ministry and sponsored children who would not have been able to take advantage of some of the activities.

On many holidays, you could find him dressed up to match the day. The costumes were elaborate and quite fun. He could make anyone smile with his great sense of humor.

His Saturdays were used to go door knocking with his friend, Alice, and pray for those they met. If someone was in need, he found a way to help them. There is no way to know how many lives he touched, but he created a ripple effect on paying it forward.

Please support his passions:

Christ Community UMC Children’s Ministry

OR

The Joplin Bird Tree

His is survived by two sisters, Fern Heilman and Linda Hudson, (husband Charles); one brother, David Howery (wife Janette); two stepdaughters, Brenda Rinehart (husband Edward) and Georgia Byus; one stepson, Roger Baker (wife Tina), eight grandchildren and many others who loved him dearly.

Preceding him in death were Judith Moshier Howery (wife), William Harley Howery (father), Ruth Wurtz Howery (mother), James Eldon Davis (son), Helen M. Howery Diedel (half sister), Alfred E. Howery (brother), Louise C. Howery Jones (sister), Letha M. Howery Manlove (sister), Larry W. Howery (brother), Lois E. Howery Grose (sister).

Services will be Saturday, June 20 at Christ Community United Methodist Church, 2700 W. 44th Street, Joplin, MO 64804. Visitation will be from 10:30-11:30 a.m., followed by a Celebration of his Life at 11:30 a.m. Inurnment will be at Memorial Park Cemetery in Hutchinson, KS with his wife, Judith, at a later date.

Please share a memory at www.mcgilleystatelinechapel.com.