of Lexa, AR
January 13, 1956 - September 4, 2025
William "Bill" F. Howe, 69, of Lexa, Arkansas passed away unexpectedly on September 4, 2025. Bill was born on January 13, 1956 in Helena, Arkansas to Samuel and Betty Howe.
Known for his infectious laughter, firm handshakes and a larger-than-life personality, Bill was a loving husband, father, grandfather and friend. One of his greatest joys was spending time with his only granddaughter, Caroline, whom he adored. He was a true outdoorsman, a lifelong member of Island 69 Hunting Club and took pride in maintaining this island, which was his favorite place. He also enjoyed hunting, a quiet Sunday afternoon nap and a cold glass of Weller with friends.
A graduate of DeSoto School in 1974, Bill began his agricultural career first in Wabash, Arkansas at Howe Lumber Company. Later he farmed in Stovall, Mississippi, where he met and married his wife of 36 years, Missy Bledsoe Howe. They later moved to Minter City, Mississippi, where he continued farming and they started their family. After his time as a farmer, Bill went on to work for Sanders, Inc. in Marvell. Most recently, he was an Agriculture Business Development Officer at Partner's Bank in Marvell.
Bill was an active member of Helena First United Methodist Church and the Helena Rotary Club.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Sam and Betty Howe and an infant brother.
He is survived by his beloved wife, Missy; his daughter, Elizabeth Bates and her husband, Matthew; his son, Sam Howe and his granddaughter, Caroline Bates. He is also survived by his sister, Abigail Howe; his brother, Jay Howe (Cathy); nephews, Jay O. Howe (Hannah) and Chris Howe (Rebekah); one great-nephew, Oliver; two great-nieces, Madelyn and Savannah and his faithful dog, Lake.
A visitation will be held in the sanctuary of Helena First United Methodist Church on Monday, September 8, 2025 at 9:00 a.m. followed by a memorial service at 10:30 a.m.. Burial will immediately follow at Maple Hill Cemetery.
Pallbearers: Grant Bonner, Griffin Christine, Sam Coates, Tripp Halbert, Nick Shackelford, Harry Stephens IV, Jack Stephens and Kimbrough Stephens.
Honorary Pallbearers: Dr. Norman Bryant, Bart Christine, Cookie Cline, John Coates, Marty Faulkner, David Griffin, Chuck Halbert, Curtis Jeffries, Mike McCarty, Walter Morris, Ben Pittman, Chuck Roscopf, Harry Stephens and Ralph Waters.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be sent to the Helena First United Methodist Church or DeSoto School, Inc.
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30 Condolence(s)
Ricky Tinsley and family
Thursday, September 11, 2025
Sincere condolences and prayers for the family and friends .
He was a wonderful friend and customer of the barbershop.
He will be missed.
Ricky Tinsley and family
Thursday, September 11, 2025
Sincere condolences and prayers for the family and friends .
He was a wonderful friend and customer of the barbershop.
He will be missed.
Al Gordon
Thursday, September 11, 2025
From the time we were football teamates in junior high school until our recent conversation sharing memories of those days, I loved and respected Bill Howe. He will be missed, but the joy he brought will never be forgotten! Marsha and I send our prayers for comfort to the Howe family.
Debbie johnston
Tuesday, September 9, 2025
There are no words to say what a legacy Biil has left to us, his laughter and shining personality will remain in my heart always!! Loving memory, Debbie Johnston
Chris and Gayle Akers
Tuesday, September 9, 2025
Our deepest condolences and prayers.
May God Bless you and family.
Ann Lee
Tuesday, September 9, 2025
Missy, Elizabeth, and Sam
So sorry for your loss. Bill was a great guy. He had a smile for everyone.
June J White
Monday, September 8, 2025
I am so very sorry to hear of Bill’s passing. He was such a special person and will be missed by many. I pray that GOD will keep his arm around you all.
Jim mayer
Monday, September 8, 2025
You are in our thoughts and prayers Bill was a shinning light to all who met him. Jim,Diane,Marla ,Caren Adam Mayer
Levoria K. Jefferson
Monday, September 8, 2025
Missy, Elizabeth, Sam and the beautiful Howe family...I extend my deepest sympathy to each of you...
I feel very blessed to.have known such a beautiful person so full of life and love!
Bill is smiling down with that big grin...He is gone but never will be forgotten!
"Much Christian Love!"
Blake & Gerralyn Mendrop and Mendrop Engineering
Monday, September 8, 2025
With our deepest Sympathies!
Debbie johnston
Sunday, September 7, 2025
There are no words to say what a legacy Biil has left to us, his laughter and shining personality will remain in my heart always!! Loving memory, Debbie Johnston
Alvin Byrd
Sunday, September 7, 2025
My deepest condolences to the whole family! Bill was the kind of guy who was a great guy to have as a life long friend from DeSoto til the end! You will be missed!
Chuck Fehlig
Sunday, September 7, 2025
Sincere condolences to all the Howe’s. My thoughts and prayers are with you all during these trying times.
Janie Scaife
Sunday, September 7, 2025
I’m so sorry for your loss.
Kita Falleur
Sunday, September 7, 2025
God has His very special Angel back in Heaven! I thank God for allowing the time for Bill to come into our lives! He had a very positive effect on all! To just say he will be missed isn’t really enough. Prayers for the family and friends left behind.
Dale & Pam Brown
Saturday, September 6, 2025
Missy & family, so sorry & no words can express our sincere sympathy on the heartbreaking loss of Mr Bill! He was the laughter, that big smile & a heart the size of Texas, friend & past coworker ever! He never met a stranger & loved all of you so very much! Always talked about his family! He will be greatly missed by so so many and especially all of you! He was a true friend to so many! Love & God Bless you all ❤️🙏
George Gates
Saturday, September 6, 2025
My prayers are with you all.
Lawson H Hornor
Saturday, September 6, 2025
God bless the family. Bill was a great friend and a lot of good times while growing up will be remembered.
Johnny Hudson
Saturday, September 6, 2025
We worked together for years and became great friends we always enjoyed being together
Johnny Hudson
Saturday, September 6, 2025
We worked together for years and became great friends I am so sadden this happened
Edmond and Nina Waters
Saturday, September 6, 2025
Sending our heartfelt condolences to Missy and all the family.
Henry and Munnie Jordan
Saturday, September 6, 2025
What a presence! He lite up my life whenever I saw him ! God Bless him ! Henry and Munnie
Glen Estes
Saturday, September 6, 2025
So sorry to hear of Bill's passing. He will be missed by all. He was a good friend and a great teammate from our DeSoto High-school years. RIP my friend. Prayers and condolences for your family during this hard time.
Johnny and Linda Broome
Friday, September 5, 2025
It’s with a heavy heart that Linda and I heard of Bill's passing. Bill was a man of warmth, kindness, and unwavering generosity. His friendship touched so many lives, and his absence will leave a space that can never be filled. Our deepest condolences and prayers to Bill’s family and loved ones during this incredibly difficult time. Rest in peace, my friend – you will always be remembered and missed."
Rendy Bishop
Friday, September 5, 2025
Doug and Cassie Turner
Friday, September 5, 2025
Bill was a man’s man. He stood out always and left a big mark.
He knew everyone and always took the time to talk.
God Bless his family. Rest in peace.
Lana and Joey Quinn
Friday, September 5, 2025
Howe family we are so sorry for the loss of Bill. He was a great person. Sending prayers of peace in the days ahead.
Norman Yarbrough
Friday, September 5, 2025
I have known Bill for a long time. He was always a great guy. I will miss talking to him at the bank, He will be missed a lot.
Bradley Walhood
Friday, September 5, 2025
Prayers for you and family Bill was a great guy 🙏
Denice
Friday, September 5, 2025
We all Loved Bill Howe. I know your hearts are so broken. May the Lord wrap his arms around each of you and comfort you in the days ahead.