Richard William “Skip” Howe, 70, passed away peacefully at his home in Warsaw in the early hours of Saturday, October 21, 2023. In his final days, he was surrounded by family and friends.
Skip was born in Smithville, Missouri on February 18, 1953, the son of Howard E. and Yvonne L. (Wiard) Howe.
In his early years, he ran the streets of Kansas City where he gained what would become valuable life experiences.
Through friends, Skip was introduced to Kathleen D. Taylor and they were married on October 5, 1974, at Christ the King Catholic Church in Kansas City and unto this union, five children were born.
From 1974-1976, he was enlisted in the U.S. Army where he was in the concrete construction field. He was gratified with his service, always respected the flag and flew it proudly.
Skip was a provider, working various jobs, but he found his love for trucking and driving over the road at a young age. His decorated career spanned 44 years with several companies where he traveled coast-to-coast. He always enjoyed taking the kids on trips, some short and some long, and displaying his truck at school show-and-tells. While on the road, he never missed an opportunity to visit with far away relatives and friends. He retired in 2021 while driving for Dyno-Nobel. Included in his work life, he was especially proud of his job as a civilian contract driver in Iraq from 2004-2010 during Operation Iraqi Freedom.
While at home, Skip enjoyed working in the yard and coming up with projects that just had to be done. He was very “frugal” and a collector of many items of which his family made fun. He was a great storyteller, and to this day, much of his family and other relatives are still unsure whether he really was Elvis’ cousin. He enjoyed large family gatherings and spoiling his grandchildren with trips to their favorite coffee shops and restaurants. He also had a closet love for dogs, but especially the two at home, Dexter and Brodie.
Skip was preceded in death by his parents; three sisters, Orinda, Lugene and Ramona; his beloved father-in-law and mother-in-law, Leonard and Mary Taylor; and many other close relatives and friends.
He is survived by his wife of 49 years, Kathy Howe; five children, Adam (Melissa), Emmi Smith (Josh), R. Neil (Rachel), Mindi Ruby (Cory) and Geni Harms (Aaron); fourteen grandchildren, Tyler, Rayni, Ambri, Taylor, Gianni, Jayli, Tanna, Blaine, Brett, Braelyn, Lawton, Brycen, Avery and Renley; one great-grandchild, Hadlei; and many special in-laws, nephews, nieces, other extended family members and friends.
Skip’s faith was important to him and his relationship with God was always existent. Over the years, opportunities to convert to Catholicism seemed to avoid him, however, prior to his death, he was exploitative to receive the full Catholic sacraments and was fully welcomed into the church.
Honoring Skip’s wishes, he will be cremated. Visitation will be held at 9:00 AM with a Rosary at 10:00 AM and Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30 AM on Friday, October 27, 2023, at St. Ann Catholic Church in Warsaw. Graveside services with military honors will be held later that afternoon at 3:00 PM at the Missouri State Veterans Cemetery in Higginsville.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to St. Ann Catholic Church and Benton County Hospice.
All services are under the direction of Reser Funeral Home in Warsaw, www.reserfuneralhome.com.
