Robert Friel Howes
Robert Friel Howes, age 89, of Fredericktown, Deemston Borough Pa., died April 2, 2013 in his home. He was born August 29, 1923, in Sago, West Virginia, the 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 the Good Year Tire and Rubber Company in Akron, Ohio; two years at the Hazel Atlas Glass Factory in Washington, Pa.; two years with Jessop Steel in Washington, Pa., and labored for four years in the Richeyville, Pa., Vesta 4 Mine. Afterwards, he worked for ten years in the Chartiers Shaft Mine in Greene County, near Lippencott, Pa. For thirty-two years he was a lineman and warehouseman for the Columbia Gas Transmission Corporation, based in Brownsville, Pa.
Mr. Howes was a member of the Mount Zion United Methodist Church on Ridgewood Drive for sixty-two 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 on March 26, 2013. They were married nearly 72 years.
He is survived by 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), and 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 sixteen great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by 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 “Jimmy” Dale Howes, for their support and assistance whenever and wherever needed.
Friends will be received Wednesday from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. in the JOHN B. GREENLEE FUNERAL HOME, 2830 Main Street, Beallsville, Pa.
Services and interment will be private.
Memorial contributions may be made to Mount Zion United Methodist Church at 392 Ridgewood Drive, Fredericktown, Pa., 15333.
Online guestbook and personal condolences may be accessed at greenleefuneralhome.com.