Howard House

(From Simpson Funeral Home)

With heavy hearts and fond memories, we announce the passing of a loving, compassionate, and dedicated man, Howard F. House, Jr., who left us on April 22, 2024 at Freeman Hospital in Joplin. 

Born on September 19, 1953, in Montebello, CA, Howard moved to Joplin around the 7th grade, where he built a life filled with joy, service, and devotion. 

He was a beacon of light in his community, leaving a lasting impact through his deeds and his words, always ready with a smile and a kind word for everyone he met. Howard was an exceptionally outgoing man, conscientious and dedicated, a man who never encountered a stranger.

Howard was an accomplished contractor who spent over 50 years in his field. His love for his work was evident in the meticulous quality he brought to every project. He was a lifetime member of Lions Club International and served as the Secretary/Treasurer on the Board of BluCurrent Credit Union, dedicating his time and effort to ensuring its continued growth. A devout Christian and an active member of his church, Howard was the Chairman of the Building and Grounds Committee at Emmanuel Baptist Church in Webb City. His faith was a guiding light in his life, and he encouraged others to follow Christ with the same fervor and dedication.

What mattered most to Howard was his family. He was a devoted husband to his wife, JoAnn, for nearly 46 years. He was a loving father to Valerie (David) Mathews, Brendan (Bekah) House, and Patrece (Bryan) Simpson, a doting grandfather to Sophia E. House, Ellie U. House, Nathanael L. Mathews, Lillian W. Mathews, and Jameson F. Mathews. He also leaves behind his nice Eric DeMoss, nephew Ryan (Regina) P. DeMoss, and his sister, Sherri (Chip) Weeg. Howard was preceded in death by his parents, Howard House Sr. and Phyllis (Newby) Jones, along with a multitude of loving relatives.

His love for his family was mirrored in his hobbies, as he enjoyed traveling with his wife to various places, especially their annual trips to the Florida coast, and taking each one of his grandkids on a special Florida trip all to themselves. His love for fishing, woodworking, and tinkering with a little bit of everything spoke volumes about his zest for life.

A service to celebrate Howard's life will be held on Saturday, May 4, 2024, at 11:00 am at Emmanuel Baptist Church in Webb City. "Don't let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust also in me. There is more than enough room in my Father's home..." (John 14:1-2). Howard House lived these words, and his life was a testament to his faith.

Services are under the personal care and direction of Simpson Funeral Home. The family encourages relatives and friends to visit www.simpsonfh.com to share photos and memories of Howard, a loving, compassionate, dedicated man whose legacy will continue to inspire those who knew him.