John Howland, 73 of Montgomery City, left us on December 12, 2024.
He was born to Juanita Mae Edwards Howland and the late John David Howland, Sr. on October 27, 1951 in Kansas City.
John graduated from Shawnee Mission West High School in 1969. He attended Kansas State University and was a member of Tau Kappa Epsilon Fraternity.
John spent most of his life working in the construction field. His work took him to Kansas, Missouri, Ohio, North Carolina, South Carolina and Florida. He was an avid hunter and fisherman. John was known for his skill at pool and poker.
John was a friend to many, often helping friends in need, when he was lacking.
John Howland is survived by his mother: Juanita Howland of Raytown; daughter and son-in-law: Sara (Tracey) McDaris of Arden, N.C.; grandchildren, Austin Distel, Lily McDaris and Jacob McDaris of Arden, N.C., sister: JJ Crater of Independence; nephews, Philip Portier of Blue Springs, John Rogers of Tempe, Ariz., and Merrick Schofield of Aviano, Italy; niece, Sydney Rogers of Kansas City, Kan.; uncle, Robert (Elaine) Edwards of Honea Path, S.C.; aunt, Thelma Pearl See of Montgomery City; uncle, Roy Phelps of Grandview; plus dozens of cousins. When he joined the Hovendick family, through his mom’s marriage to Robert Hoviendick, he was blessed with six brothers and six sisters-in-law.
He was preceded in death by father, John Howland; grandparents, Ruth and Thomas Ray Edwards and Lenore and Percy Howland; aunt, Wilma Phelps; sister, Jerri Ann Rogers.
John has been blessed with many good friends.
Throughout this past year, when illness made him weak and unable to get out, he talked about not wanting a big celebration of life or a funeral. He wanted his ashes scattered somewhere in the North Carolina mountains.
In an effort to honor his request and allow for closure for those remaining, family members and friends will gather at The Cradle of Forestry Milepost 411 in Canton N.C., on June 26 at 9 a.m., followed by a meal the Pisgah Inn Cafe Milepost 408.6 on the Blue Ridge Parkway Canton, N.C. 28712.
In lieu of flowers please donate to: National Deer Association, P.O. Box 160, Bogart, GA 30622. They can be contacted by calling 1-800-209 DEER (3337) or emailing info@deerassociation.com.
