Otis Wilson Howe Jr.

Otis Wilson Howe Jr. of Little Rock died January 3, 2019. He was born in Helena to Otis and Harriet Howe on October 24, 1929. He was a lifelong resident of Phillips County, living in Wabash and Helena until he moved to Little Rock in September 2017. He is survived by his son, Otis W. Howe III (Dawn); daughter, Mary Fay Turley (Chris); grandchildren, Jessica Howe Cogburn (Jeremy), Peter Howe (Sara Kate), Kayla Turley Trimble (Nick), Rachel Turley Kennedy (Luke) and great-grandchildren: Jacob, Mollie, and Annie Howe, Parker Cogburn, and Noah Trimble. He is also survived by his brother, Jim Howe (Nancy); and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife of 63 years, Ruth; and his brother, John Howe. Otis adored his family and loved visits with his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was learning to Facetime so he could see and talk to them. He graduated from Helena High School and attended Washington and Lee University where he was a member of Sigma Chi Fraternity. He graduated from Memphis State University, where he was a founding member of the Sigma Chi chapter. After graduating from college, he returned to Wabash and became part of the family farm. He married the love of his life, Ruth Christine White. While working for Howe Lumber Company, he established Delta Insurance and Realty. With the sale of Howe Lumber Company in 1980 he established Howe Insurance in Helena. Otis loved God and his church. He taught adult Sunday School at the Wabash Federated Church until he moved to Helena. He was devoted to St. John's Episcopal Church where he served as an acolyte through high school. He served many terms on the St. John's vestry and was Senior Warden. He was an acolyte master, usher, and coordinated the usher schedule until he moved to Little Rock. He was a delegate to many Diocese of Arkansas conventions and served on the Diocesan Executive Council. Otis was an Eagle Scout and gave countless hours to promoting the Boy Scouts. For his many years of service to local, regional, and national scout boards he was awarded the Silver Beaver and the Silver Antelope awards. He was presented scouting's St. George Award by the Episcopal Church. Serving his community was a big part of his life. Otis was president of the Helena Rotary Club and served for over 25 years as club secretary. He was a multiple Paul Harris Fellow and was assistant district governor. He was a board member and docent at the Helena Museum of Phillips County, served on the boards as president of both DeSoto School and Lakeview School, president of the Phillips County Chamber of Commerce and was active on the board of Maple Hill Cemetery. He served on the Mississippi River Levee Board, was President of the Agricultural Council of Arkansas and served on the board of Cotton Incorporated. Otis left a legacy of love and service to his Lord, family and friends. A funeral service will be held on Friday, January 11 at 11 a.m. at St. John's Episcopal Church. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be sent to St. John's Episcopal Church, 625 Pecan Street, Helena, Ark. 72342; Helena Museum of Phillips County, 623 Pecan St., Helena, Ark. 72342; Maple Hill Cemetery, 1801 Holly St., Helena, Ark. 72342; or DeSoto School, 497 Thunderbird Ln., West Helena, Ark. 72390. Services are under the direction of Roller-Citizens Funeral Home, 508 East Plaza Street, West Helena, Ark. 72390, (870) 572-2571. Online guestbook: www.rollerfuneralhomes.com.