Josh Lee Howard

Josh Lee Howard was born on February 22, 1952 in Clarksdale, Mississippi. He was the fourth son of twelve children born to the union of Josh and Chaney Shannon Howard. After beginning his life in Mississippi, the family moved to Sikeston, Missouri in 1958. Josh attended Sikeston Public Schools and graduated from Sikeston Senior High in 1971. In 1975, while working as a security guard in Denver, Colorado, Josh met and married Myrna Ferguson. This union saw two children added to the family, a son, Adrian and a daughter, Kenya LaSandra. Josh Lee was a giving person who loved his family. He would go out of his way for anyone. Just like most in the Howard family, Josh Lee never met a stranger. Anyone that knew him remembers him as an avid sports fan of the St, Louis Cardinals, Dallas Cowboys and the Philadelphia Seventy-Sixers. Often calling asking the question, “How about them Cowboys (Cardinals)?” He was always quiet on his Sixers. Confessing Christ at a young age and being baptized under Pastor Gentry, Josh Lee reunited with the Travelers Rest M.B. Church under Pastor Morgan after returning to Sikeston. After moving to the Sell’s Nursing Center in Matthews, Missouri in 2006, Josh would love when his brother Odell and the group Thankful came to visit the residents. He would try singing along with Thankful when he was physically able to join them in the common area before his failing health. He also enjoyed seeing the Travelers Rest Nursing Home Ministry when they would visit. After many battles with his health in the last few years, Josh transitioned this life on Thursday, May 3, 2018 at the Westfield Nursing Center in Sikeston. Preceding him in death are his parents, Josh and Chaney; his daughter, Kenya LaSandra; brothers, Willie James, Luke, Joseph, Caleb, Caleb II and Cal and a sister, Ida Howard Shannon. Left to cherish their memories of Josh Lee are his son, Adrian Ferguson; 5 grandchildren, Adrian Jr., Adrian II, Adrianna, Kayla and Terrell; one brother, Odell (Janice) Howard of Sikeston; three sisters, Luella Howard, Mary Ann Howard and Martha Harris all of Sikeston; one sister-in-law, Evelyn Howard: one aunt Luealla English and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. A good heart has stopped beating; a kind soul ascended to heaven. We part with knowing that we have been able to be a part of the life of Josh. We realize that we are blessed to have been able to share in his life, but now God has afforded him rest. We must remember that “Goodbyes are not forever. Goodbyes are not the end. Goodbyes merely mean we will miss you until we meet again.” The family of Josh Lee Howard will host a memorial service at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, May 12, 2018 at Traveler’s Rest Missionary Baptist church in Sikeston. Crain Funeral Home & Cremation Service in Cape Girardeau is in charge of arrangements.

Josh Lee Howard

February 22, 1952 - May 3, 2018