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Fred Eugene Howe, son of Cloys Dewey Howe and Merle Etta Howe, was born on September 25, 1929, in Brooklyn, MI. He departed to be with his Heavenly Father and family on January 30, 2022.
Fred was a devout Christian man whose faith was shared with many. He was raised to love the Lord and was always an active member in his congregation. Fellowship was important to him, and he made sure to attend services faithfully. Singing praises in worship was something he loved to do. His singing was uplifting and heartfelt.
Fred was raised on a dairy farm in Brooklyn, MI. Hard work, dedication, and commitment were nothing new to him. It was instilled in him at a very young age. This work played a big role of who he became later in life.
Fred was the first in his family to attend college. He received his BS in Animal Science at Michigan State University and following that joined the military. He worked as a cryptographer for the army. Fred met his wife Lillian on a blind date in 1954 while he was in the military. They were married the following year in Brooklyn MI. And all three of their children were born in Mason, MI.
Fred led a very full and rewarding life. He worked at Michigan State University as the Director of Lab Animal Care Services. A few years later, he took a position at the University of Nevada, Reno where he established the Lab Animal Care Services program. Upon retirement, he was awarded the Emeritus Director of Lab Animal Care. His picture and accomplishments are still hanging at the university today. He dedicated years of research at these universities, which has made a big impact on our pharmaceuticals today.
Fred had a servant’s heart. He and his wife were fully devoted to the communities they lived in. In Michigan, they established the first group home in the state for developmentally delayed children. Those children thrived and the home is still being ran by the State of Michigan. To this day it is a successful operation that has impacted countless lives. To many locals the facility is known as the “Howe Home”.
When he transferred from Michigan State University to the University of Nevada, Reno, he and his wife witnessed many homeless individuals downtown. They realized there was limited resources for these people and figured out how to be part of the solution. This was the beginning of the Good Shepherds Clothes Closet, an organization which collects quality donations and donates them, free of charge, to families in need. Fred was co-founder to this project. It is a non-profit organization and continues to flourish in Reno, NV today.
After retiring a second time, they longed to be out of the city life and moved to Stilwell, OK. There they were close to their granddaughter, Jennifer Patterson, and her family. Here, he and his wife became active members of the Stilwell Kiwanis club and enjoyed being part of local efforts to improve the community. You could always call on Fred to lend a hand. Fred was also an advocate for the local animal shelter, Paws and Hooves Rescue Foundation. He helped raise over $15000 with his fundraisers to help local pets. Everyone looked forward to his homemade brownies he made for fundraising. Another project Fred worked year-round with was the “Operation Christmas Child Shoebox Ministry”. He and his great grandson, Sam raised funds and filled over 600 boxes to send to disadvantaged children around the world.
Fred was adopted by many, young and old, as their “grandpa”. He rocked many babies, gave the best hugs, and it warmed his heart to be a positive influence on a child’s life. He was a calm and gentle soul who never turned down a child in need. He welcomed all with open arms.
Fred was preceded in death by his loving wife: Lillian Howe; his parents: Cloys Howe and Merle Howe; and his brothers: Norman, and Roger Howe; and his sister: Francis Burnell.
He is survived by his children: Julie Howe Merrill (Kirby) of Stilwell, OK, Barbara Howe Wyatt (Dan) of Carson City, NV, and Douglas Howe (Susie) of Reno, NV; 13 grandchildren: Jennifer Patterson (Clay) of Stilwell, OK, Ben Jurs (Julianne) of St. Louis, MO, Zachary Jurs (Gabrielle) of Salem, OR, Casey Noblit, Tyler Noblit, Emilee Howe, Lindsee Howe, Tom Byington (Anne) of Reno, NV, Holly Guy (Russel) of Hutto, TX, Tim Merrill (Hannah) of Lancaster, SC, Trevor Merrill (Nikki) of Lancaster, SC, Tawnya Stickler (Luke) of Portland, OR, Brittany Witter (Ean) of Carson City, NV; and 19 great grandchildren! Also, his brother: Richard Howe of Lainsgburg, MI.
In lieu of flowers the family has asked donations to go to Paws and Hooves Rescue Foundation, 506 W. Blackjack, Stilwell, OK 74960. A memorial service will be held at First Christian Church of Stilwell on February 11th, 2022, at 1:00pm.
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