Obituaries

Merril Howrey

Photo of Merril Howrey
Merril Howrey, 88, of Rogers, passed away at the Circle of Life Hospice on August 6, 2019. He was born on March 16, 1931 in Fremont County, Iowa. He was the youngest of four sons to Free McCord and Leona Wilson Howrey, growing up on a farm near Randolph, Iowa. Merril graduated from Randolph High School in 1949. He attended the University of Wichita and graduated with a Bachelors degree in Music Education. He later went on to earn a Masters degree from Western State College in Gunnison, Colo. Merril spent 24 years teaching within the Iowa school system, beginning his career as a band director working in the Farragut school district for 14 years. There he developed a highly successful band program winning many district and statewide music contest and festivals. While in Farragut, he met another young teacher, Carlene Cox. They dated and later married in July of 1960. During their union of 54 years together, they raised three sons. Merril also taught in both the Iowa Falls and Garner-Hayfield school districts before retiring and relocating his family to NW Arkansas and Rogers in 1978. Besides teaching, Merril also loved farming. After retiring from education, Merril managed the farms he owned in both Missouri and Iowa while also enjoying trading grain commodities in the corn and soybean markets. He and Carlene also loved traveling and camping going to many regions of the country during their years together. Over the years Merril also enjoyed spending time with his family boating on Beaver Lake and watching his grandchildren perform in their many school activities. He is preceded in death by his wife Carlene, who passed in 2014; his parents, three brothers, and their wives. Merril is survived by three sons, Scott with wife Anna of Centreville, Va.; Brian and husband Jethro of Manila, Philippines, and Mike with wife Carrie of Rogers; also two grandchildren: Drake and Loren Howrey of Rogers. Private graveside services of the cremated remains will be held in Iowa at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family request donations to St. Jude's Children Hospital or the charity of your choice. Arrangements are with Benton County Memorial Park Funeral Home.

Published August 11, 2019

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