Obituary of Elliott Howe

A reunion celebration was held in Heaven when Elliott H. Howe, Sr., joined beloved family members and friends who have preceded him over the course of his 87 years. He was born the 6th of 8 children on September 26, 1919 to Mattie Posey Howe and Samuel Shepherd Howe in Eufaula, OK. Orphaned at age eight, adversity strengthened his resolve to succeed. After Chilocco Indian School, he graduated from Eufaula High School and then attended Warner Junior College. It was here that he first saw Imelda Jane McNamara, a drum majorette for Wagoner High School, and the woman with whom he would one day spend his life. He was quite taken by her beauty but they did not formally meet until later. However, sensing that the world was on the brink of conflict, he enlisted in the Navy and service in the Pacific Theater during World War II. At the wars conclusion his ranking was First Class Petty Officer. Returning to Tulsa, he worked in the Court Clerk's Office as a minute clerk while attending the Tulsa University School of Law. His public service consisted of work in the County Attorney's office and the Public Defender's Office. He had a long career in private practice. Elliott was a dedicated member of the Creek Nation, serving as their first Chief Justice. He was a member of the Sons of the American Revolution, Sons of the Confederacy, the Tulsa County Bar Association and the Oklahoma Bar Association. More than anything else, he took great joy in gardening, raising horses and growing pecans. The squirrels of Tulsa have indeed lost a great adversary in Elliott Howe. He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Imelda Jane (Mac) Howe; daughter, Sally Howe Smith, son-in-law, Jerry L. Smith and grandson, Tucker Judson Smith; son, Elliott H. Howe, Jr., and granddaughter, Virginia Katelynn Howe; daughter, Nancy Howe Lassiter; son-in-law, Stephen C. Lassiter; grandsons, Hunter Howe Cates and Dustin Howe Cates; and his beloved sister, Elizabeth Chief. Those he has left behind will always cherish his memory as a man of dignity and justice. Though he did more good and saw more things in his life than most, he firmly believed that his single greatest accomplishment was his family. And they firmly believe that a greater honor has not befallen anyone. The Rosary will be said 7:00 P.M. Thursday at the Ninde Woodland Chapel followed by the Mass at 2:00 P.M. Friday at Church of the Madalene. A private family committal will be held a Calvary Cemetery. Ninde Funeral Directors, Woodland Chapel 728-8500. www.ninde.com.