Obituary for Ben S. Howe

Ben Howe, age 72, died suddenly in a tragic car/motorcycle accident on July 23, 2008, in Fremont County north of Sidney, Iowa. Ben Steventon Howe was born December 31, 1935, to James and Lillian (Steventon) Howe in Paradise, Kansas. He rode his horse Cherry to country school through fourth grade and graduated from Paradise High School in 1953. During his high school years he played on a state championship basketball team and played trombone in the band. He loved music all his life. After completing high school, he attended Fort Hayes State College, graduating with a teaching certificate in math and science. Later he attended Eastern New Mexico University, acquiring a master''s degree in science. He taught one year in Hobbs, New Mexico, two years in Wellington, Kansas, and ten years in Shawnee Mission, Kansas. In 1969 he married Carolyn McCartney in Bellevue, Nebraska. After their marriage they moved to Hanau, Germany, to teach on a military base for two years. During those years they met many teachers who became lifelong friends. In 1971 the Howes returned to Des Moines, Iowa, where Ben sold cars and Carolyn earned an elementary teaching certificate. Ben returned to Carolyn''s family farm and engaged in farming in 1973. The couple made their home on the Roy McCartney farmstead and remained there until his death. Ben was a 50-year member of the Masonic Lodge and a volunteer for the Thurman Fire Department. For many years he served as a member of the Scott Township Board. He also drove a bus for the Fremont-Mills School District for 20 years. An eager learner, Ben had many interests. As a young man he loved bicycling, skiing, and competition running. He loved classical, opera and country music and would often burst into song. For example, he was in the musical "South Pacific" and sang a solo. He loved horses all his life and often rode during the River City Roundup. He was an avid traveler and visited all of Europe, some of Asia, areas in Mexico and Colombia, South America. Next month he and Carolyn were headed to Germany to see Markus, their foreign exchange student, graduate from dental college. The Howes hosted several foreign exchange students over the years: Kjersti from Norway, Conny from Germany, and Eliana from Colombia. Ben''s childhood dream was to own a motorcycle. He bought his son Steve his first motorcycle at age five, and later his younger son James learned to ride it. Ben had a Honda dirt bike he rode around the farm. In 1981 he purchased his first Gold Wing from Lew Bebout. Later he owned a 1995 white Honda Gold Wing, a 2005 Gold Wing, and finally a 2008 tricycle Honda. He traveled to the Sturgis Rally and Pike''s Peak and toured the Rocky Mountains several times. Known for his strong opinions, he served as county chairman of the Republican Party. He loved to argue politics with his friend, Dennis Reilly, play cribbage with Lew Bebout, and discuss business ideas with Dick Porter. His favorite traveling companions were Dick and Jan Porter. He loved good food and was a master at grilling. Preceding him in death were his parents and two brothers-in-law, Art Thompson and Bob Moore. He is survived by his wife, Carolyn Howe, and two sons, Ben Steventon Howe II (and wife Christy) and Milton James Howe; two grandchildren, Lillian and Noah; three sisters, JoAnn Moore, Joyce Thompson and Janet Ralstin (and husband R.J.); nine nieces and nephews; and a host of friends. Online condolences may be left for the Howe family by clicking on "Sign Guestbook" below.