Memorial
Wayne Francis Howes, 75, of Marion, died Friday, February 5, 2016 at Hiawatha Care Center. Memorial Service: 11:00 am Wednesday, February 10, 2016 at First Assembly of God in Cedar Rapids. A visitation will be held from 5:00 - 8:00 pm Tuesday, February 9, 2016 at Cedar Memorial Funeral Home and one hour prior to service.
Wayne was born May 19, 1940 in Palatine, IL the son of George and Emma Mae (Brockway) Howes. After graduating from Southern Illinois University, he served as an officer in the United States Navy from 1962-1965. On December 21, 1963, he married Virginia Ann Staggs and during their 40 years of marriage Wayne and Jinny raised two sons, Eric and Cory. Jinny passed away in 2003 and Wayne was later united in marriage with Linda Olexa on June 17, 2006. Wayne worked for many years as a Human Resources Director for P&H, National Oats, and other local companies. He was a member the Cedar Rapids Board of Education for twenty years, serving as president during that time.
Wayne enjoyed traveling, fishing and reading. His family describes him as a humble and generous family man who had a great passion for helping others, especially veterans. Wayne was very proud of his two sons and their many accomplishments, one of whom followed his footsteps into the Navy. Wayne was a member of Assembly of God Church, where he was active in the Growing Together Class. Wayne greatly enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren and will be missed dearly.
Survivors include his wife, Linda Howes; two sons, Eric Howes, Cory (Wendi) Howes; step-children, Susan (Grant) Beck, Mark (Ana) Olexa, Catherine Olexa, Gina (Ryan) McHugh; sister, Nancy Wendt; grandchildren, Zoie and Jacinto; step-grandchildren, Zoe, James, Addison, Adrienne, Darby; and various nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his first wife; parents; four brothers; and one sister.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the family in Wayne’s memory.