Keith LeRoy Howes

Our loving dad, grandpa, and friend has returned to his Father in Heaven. Born March 25, 1933, Keith LeRoy Howes, was the first born to Eldridge “Roy” and Preale Howes in Teton, Idaho. As a child, Keith, his sister, and parents lived in Arizona and Idaho.  

In high school, he was a football and track star. As a young man, he joined the Navy during the Korean War, during which time he boasted of crossing the Pacific Ocean 38 times. After serving his time from 1951-1955, he married the love of his life, Bonnie Winder, on February 18, 1955. They briefly lived in Washington before making their permanent home in Idaho Falls, Idaho. 

Throughout their 62-year marriage, he worked at the old stockyards as an Idaho Falls Police Officer where he qualified as a "sharp shooter" earning him numerous trophies, a long haul truck driver for Bombadiar Skidoo, and driving 19 years as an INL bus driver leading him into retirement.

After retirement, he became a snowbird and wintered in Yuma, Arizona, for over twenty years. His play time was filled with horse shoes, playing pool, camping, and get-togethers with his family. One of his greatest joys was entertaining all who listened to his life experiences. His storytelling capabilities and sense of humor were his super powers. He was a kind, gentle, loving, and patient man. He lived at his present residence for 52 plus years and was considered the neighborhood grandpa. He will be missed by all that knew him and are blessed to have wonderful memories of him. 

He is survived by all five of his children, Sidney (Mark - deceased) Rutkoski, Jodi (Ron) Coventry, Steve Howes, Peggy (Tony) Shiffer, and Forde Howes; and numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his beautiful wife, Bonnie; his parents; and only sibling, Sharon.

The family would like to acknowledge a special individual, Julee Sidwell, the best neighbor anyone could have, whom was like a treasured and loved fourth daughter to him.

He was under the care of Enhabit Hospice.

A celebration of life will be held and announced at a later date.