Donald Duane Howrey

Don Howrey of Harviell, Missouri entered into the presence of his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ at the age of ninety-one on Father’s Day, June 15, 2025, at Cape Girardeau Veterans Home. He suffered traumatic injuries in the tornado that tore through Harviell on Friday, March 14 and was unable to recover. Don was born in Kemp, IL on November 29, 1933, the fifth of Clyde Jackson and Martha Tyrrhene Howrey's seven children.

Don was preceded in death by his parents and four of his siblings: Virginia Wiseman, Josephine Gerrie, Jack Howrey and Jim Howrey. Two brothers survive him: Gary Howrey of Urbana, IL and Mick Howrey of the Arcola, IL area.

Don graduated from Arcola, IL High School. He was an outstanding athlete. Co-captain of a highly rated football team and a very good basketball player but his best sport was baseball. After high school, while playing semi-professional baseball in Mattoon, he was offered a minor league contract in the Cardinals organization but chose to get married and enter the workforce. He served in the United States Army and was stationed in Germany in the same unit as Elvis Presley.

Don met and married Carol Archer and they were blessed with two children, Jeffrey and Lee Ann. The couple subsequently divorced, and Don married Debra Hanner on March 12, 1977, in Springfield, IL. Don leaves behind Debra, his wife of 48 years. Son, Jeffrey Howrey of Park City, UT, daughter Lee Ann (Scott) Warren of Springfield, OH and grandson Ross (Cassidy) Warren of Upper Arlington, OH.

Don worked for Swift and Company as a route salesman out of their Crawfordsville, IN office before joining Illinois National Insurance Company where he diligently worked his way up to the executive level as Vice President of Sales. He was a long-time member of the Church of Christ, Kemp, IL

Don loved his family, his dogs, and trips to casinos to show off his outstanding skills and uproarious humor at the craps table. Other than his big wins, this is one of Don’s favorite casino stories.

Don and Debra were in a casino in Tunica, MS. John Daly, legendary professional golfer, was working as a “host” for the casino. John invited himself to the table where Don and Debra were dining and a laugh-filled conversation ensued. Don filled his last 15 years, being a part of Debra's family and filled their lives with love, laughter, traveling, and a care that is indescribable. Don will be missed by all his family and friends.

The family will arrange a celebration of life event at a future date.

Cotrell Willow Ridge Funeral & Cremation Services is honored to serve the family and friends of Donald Duane Howrey. Online condolences can be made at www.cwrfcs.com