James Lawrence “Homer” Howe, 91, of Ottumwa, died at 3:25 a.m. January 6, 2026 at Vista Woods Care Center.
He was born November 21, 1934 in Mystic to Lawrence “Cotton” and Jenny Hamilton Howe. Jim married Beverlee J. Hedberg on July 29, 1961 and she preceded him in death on June 25, 2014.
A graduate of Mystic High School, Jim served in the U.S. Army and had been stationed in Germany. He had worked for Falvey Lumber Co. in Mystic and also for John Morrell & Co. in Ottumwa. For 25 years he was the delivery driver for Wonder Bread & Hostess Cakes.
Jim was a past member of Fraternal Order of Eagles Aerie #2675 in Centerville, O.B. Nelson Post #3 American Legion and a past member of Izaak Walton League. He enjoyed woodworking, hunting and deeply loved his family.
Surviving are his children, Cathy (Michael) Britt of Batavia, Chris (Michael) Durflinger of Bloomfield, James P. Howe (Christina McFarling) of Ottumwa and Eric (Jamie) Howe of Agency; 9 grandchildren; and 19 great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents and siblings, Marjorie Hannam, Winifred “Winnie” Ragona and Glen Howe.
His body has been cremated. Memorial services will be 3:30 p.m. Friday, February 6th at Reece Funeral Home with Chaplain Doug McAntire officiating. Military honors will be conducted by O.B. Nelson Post #3 American Legion and Walter B. Schafer Post #775 Veterans of Foreign Wars.
Visitation with the family present to greet friends will be one hour prior to the service.
Private inurnment will be in Haines Cemetery near Centerville at a future date.
In memory of Jim’s wife, memorials may be to the Leukemia Foundation.
