Robert Ellis Howlett

Robert Ellis Howlett was born to Rollins Howlett and Della Black Howlett on May 26, 1938. He was the oldest of four children. At that time, the family lived in a log cabin. In his early years they would often travel to church horseback. He attended a one room school for several years until his father started driving a school bus. He then went to Richland and graduated in 1956. He kept in contact with many of his classmates and enjoyed their friendships. He attended Southwest Baptist College and graduated from Drury College. As a child he was saved and baptized in the Gasconade River and became a member of Fairview Baptist Church. He transferred his membership to First Baptist Church of Richland in 1959 when he married Mary Louise Sams. Her father married them in her family home. They celebrated their 65th anniversary in May, 2024. They were the parents of Pamela Beth Layton (Jamie), Dee Ann Homan (Rich), and Robert Brent Howlett (Marnie). They were blessed with four grandchildren: Zach Layton (Ashley), Wade Sherrer, Trent Homan (Bekah) and Trisha Homan. He taught in one-room schools in Laclede County for 2 years. Robert then taught at Swedeborg, Laquey and later Richland for a total of 32 years. He served in the U.S. Army and was in the National Guard for over 6 years. He loved farming and his cattle and horses. In 1969 he bought his farm between Richland and Stoutland. He spent many hours and days working there. In later years Dee Ann and Rich worked with him as his health declined. He is survived by his wife Mary Louise of their home in Richland, his three children and his brother Max Reed Howlett (Vonnie) of Bolivar, MO, and sister-in-law Linda Howlett. He had lost family members whom he dearly loved including: his brother Morris Lee Howlett and sister Katherine Sue Gan. His precious granddaughter Trisha Caitlin Homan went to heaven in 2021 at the age of 19. He will be remembered as a humble, upright, and honest man. He never tried to cheat or harm anyone. He was an example of a “good man” to his own children and many students over the years. We are so proud he was ours. We are also confident he is rejoicing with Jesus. His absence leaves a hole in our hearts, but we know we will see him again. Services were held at 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, December 17, 2024 in the Memorial Chapel of Richland with Pastor Danny Graves officiating. Rich Homan read the obituary. Jamie Layton sang, “In A Place That God Calls Home” and Becky Lercher sang “What a Friend We Have in Jesus.” Escorts included Zach Layton, Jamie Layton, Bob Howlett, Wade Sherrer, Rich Homan, Eddie Howlett, and Trent Homan. Burial followed in the Oaklawn Cemetery of Richland. Services were under the care and direction of Memorial Chapel of Richland. Memorial contributions may be made in memory of Robert Howlett to the First Baptist Church Scholarship Fund and may be left at Memorial Chapel of Richland.

Robert Ellis Howlett

May 26, 1938 - December 13, 2024