Harry Wayne Howe

Harry Wayne Howe was born in Dry Ridge, KY on January 18th, 1932, and went to heaven on September 15th, 2026, at the age of 94.

Harry Wayne, the oldest child of Harry Nicholas Howe and Katherine (Bennett) Howe, was born on his father’s 23rd birthday. He grew up with his two brothers and sister on a farm in Grant County, Kentucky. After graduating from Grant County High School in 1950, Harry Wayne worked on the family farm before enlisting in the United States Navy.

He served as an electrician aboard the aircraft carrier Bataan during the Korean Conflict. After his stint in the Navy ended, he came home and in 1956, he married the girl of his dreams, Barbara Deatherage. They began married life in Covington, Kentucky, but soon found their way to the community of Knoxville in Pendleton County. They bought a farm and remained there for the rest of their lives.

Harry Wayne worked as both an installer and switchman for Cincinnati Bell for 35 years. After he retired, he continued to farm and also worked for Eckler Hudson Funeral Home as a grave digger. He dug 582 graves by hand over a period of 6 years.

He was a faithful member of Knoxville Baptist Church. Through the years Harry Wayne served as deacon, Sunday School superintendent, training union director and teacher, as well as moderator for the Crittenden Baptist Association. He and Barbara also served as church custodians for many years. In his younger years, he loved to play church softball.  His Christian influence and wisdom have affected countless lives in both the church and community. His was a life well-lived.  In Harry's free time, he loved to play with his pet dogs and travel to the mountains.  He cherished spending time with his children and grandchildren and never missed an opportunity to participate in his family's activities.  

In addition to his parents, Harry Wayne was preceded in death by his wife, Barbara, and his brother, Carl Lee Howe. He is survived by his son Randy Wayne Howe (Bettie), daughter Debra Howe Holland (Greg), grandson David Holland (Amanda), granddaughter Julia Holland Villanacci (Bradley), two great-grandsons Isaiah and Noah Villanacci; who were the lights of his life; his brother Clyde “Pete” Howe (Elnora), his sister Betty Webster, his sister-in-law Janet Howe and many nieces and nephews.

Visitation will take place at the Knoxville Baptist Church on Saturday, September 19th, 2026 from 9:00 - 11:00 a.m. with funeral services taking place immediately after. Burial will follow at the Pleasant Ridge Baptist Church, DeMossville, KY. Pastor Steve Kellam will officiate.  Memorials are suggested to the Knoxville Baptist Church, c/o Krissy Schlueter, 2520 Knoxville Rd., Dry Ridge, KY 41035.  Elliston - Stanley Funeral Home of Williamstown, KY is handling arrangements.