Robert Friel Howes
Robert Friel Howes, 89, of Fredericktown (Deemston Borough), died Tuesday, April 2, 2013, in his home.
He was born August 29, 1923, in Sago, W.Va., a son of the late Roy Andrew Howes and Minnie May Tenney-Howes.
Mr. Howes served in the U.S. Navy during World War II.
He spent five years with Goodyear Tire and Rubber Co. in Akron, Ohio; two years at Hazel Atlas Glass Factory in Washington; two years with Jessop Steel in Washington; and labored for four years in Richeyville-Vesta 4 Mine. Afterwards, he worked for 10 years in the Chartiers Shaft Mine near Lippencott, Greene County. For 32 years, he was a lineman and warehouseman for Columbia Gas Transmission Corp., based in Brownsville.
Mr. Howes was a member of Mount Zion United Methodist Church on Ridgewood Drive for 62 years.
He enjoyed tackling carpentry projects, refurbishing old cars and tractors, crafting music instruments such as violins and mandolins, singing and playing bluegrass, gospel and old hymns and spending time in his vegetable garden.
On October 4, 1941, he married Arlene Bridget Ware, who passed away March 26, 2013. They were married nearly 72 years.
Surviving are two sons, Dr. Robert E. Howes (Joyce) and Ronald G. Howes (Darlene) of Pennsylvania; a daughter, Pastor Darlene J. Howes Mathieson (Neil) of Virginia; a brother, Roy Alfred Howes (Katie) of West Virginia; nine grandchildren, Melissa Howes-Vitek (Mark) of Maryland, Dr. Amanda Howes-Foulke (Andrew), Meredith Howes-Lauffer (Justin), Michelle Howes-Lint (Justin), Ronald Howes II (Jenn) of Pennsylvania, Melinda Howes-Pozzuto (Father Keith) of Texas, Dr. Daniel Gallo (Allison) of Kentucky, Chaplain Matthew Gallo (Erica) of Texas and Valerie Gallo-Jenkins (Jeff) of Virginia; and 16 great-grandchildren.
Deceased are his wife, Arlene Bridget Ware-Howes, and siblings Hartzell, Hobart, Forman, Paul, Henry, Charles, John, Jesse and Ida Macel Howes-Lee.
The family wishes to express their appreciation to all who provided prayers, encouraging conversations, delicious meals and other great outpourings of love during this difficult time. A note of gratitude is extended to great-grandson Gregory Ritsko and nephew James Dale “Jimmy” Howes for their support and assistance whenever and wherever needed.
Friends will be received from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, April 3, in John B. Greenlee Funeral Home, 2830 Main Street, Beallsville. Services and interment will be private. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Mount Zion United Methodist Church at 392 Ridgewood Drive, Fredericktown, PA 15333. Guest book and personal condolences may be accessed at www.greenleefuneralhome.com.