Harold T. Howie

HAROLD T. HOWIE, 90, of Chester, Illinois, passed away at 6:45 am, Tuesday, May 12, 2020 at Memorial Hospital, Chester, Illinois.

He was born to the late Ed L. and Elise M. (nee Bendorf) on April 21, 1930 in Ellis Grove, Illinois.

He married Mary A. Rodewald on August 25, 1950 at Peace Lutheran Church in Chester, Illinois; she preceded him in death September 23, 2018.

Harold fought in the Korean War as a United States Marine.

He served on the Chester Police force for 42 years in several capacities including Chief of Police from 1976 to 1982. In his early years he worked in Sauget, Illinois at the Eastman Chemical Rubber Plant and then at Coles Milling Company in Chester, Illinois. Later, Harold carried mail for the U.S. Postal Service and finally retired as an Engineer from the Chester Mental Health Center. He also worked part-time as a school bus and charter bus driver for many years for Harold Coleman’s Bus Service.

He was a life-time member of the V.F.W. Post #3553 and was Post Commander in 1976. He was also a life-time member of the Randolph County Police Association and a 30 year member of the Chester Masonic Lodge #72 A.F. & A.M. He was a member of Peace Lutheran Church in Chester, Illinois.

He loved the outdoors and camping. He was an avid hunter and fisherman. He was the family mechanic, electrician, and handy-man who could install or repair just about anything.

Survivors:

5 Children:

Harold (Terry) Howie Valparaiso, IN

Robert (Sharon) Howie Chester, IL

Joyce (Mike) Hayer Sparta, IL

Jayne (Don) Berry Chester, IL

Nancy (Jeff) Crossland Chester, IL

1 Sister:

Virginia Long Chester, IL

7 Grandchildren:

Leslie (Tim) Ebers, Matthew Howie, Joshua (Christa) Howie, Chris Hayer, Bree (Anthony) Barnett, Marcus Hayer, and Brett (David) Galloway

12 Great Grandchildren:

Jeren Ebers, Camrynn Howie, Braxton Conder, Ayla Ebers, Jonathon Hayer, Landen Conder, Brooke Howie, Laurey Hayer, Cedric Ebers, Mason Howie, Rielle Barnett and Cavoa Ebers

1 Sister-in-law:

Barbara Rodewald Chester, IL

Many Nieces, Nephews, Cousins and Friends

Preceded in Death by : Parents, Wife, In-laws – Ernest and Jesse Rodewald, 1 Sister-in-law – Peggy Johnson and 3 Brothers-in-law – John Rodewald, Glenn Long and Virgil “Wimpy” Johnson

Private Graveside Service will be held at St. Andrews Catholic Cemetery in Murphysboro, Illinois.

A Celebration of Life with Military Honors will be held at a later date.

Memorials contributions can be made in Harold’s memory to Chester Senior Center or St. Mary’s Catholic School and memorials are being accepted at the Pechacek Funeral Homes in Chester.