Scotty Howard

(From Clark Funeral Home)

Scotty Howard was born on Nov. 16, 1983, in Joplin, Missouri, one of two sons to Sammy and Staci (Potter) Howard. He entered into rest on Sept. 7, 2026, in Neosho, MO, at the age of 42. 

Scotty was a graduate of Neosho High School, class of 2002, and was an outstanding athlete, excelling in wrestling and football. During his wrestling tenure, he was recognized as having the most pins. He was awarded a football scholarship to Missouri Valley and graduated in 2006 with a bachelor's degree in criminal justice, sociology and psychology. While attending college, during summer and school breaks, he worked at Lyerla Sheet Metal. 

After graduating from college, he returned to Neosho where he taught biology at the alternative school and coached wrestling. In 2007, he was diagnosed with cancer and with the support of family and friends, endured the treatments and was officially cancer free in March of 2008. 

In 2013, he began his career with BNSF Railroad, working as supervisor of signal until his death. Scotty loved the outdoors and enjoyed hunting, fly fishing and tying flies; hunting arrowheads and just simply sitting in his chair on his back porch watching the deer. Scotty was a people person, enjoying the company of the very young to the elderly and never met a stranger. 

On June 4, 2010, in Jamaica, Scotty married the love of his life, Jennifer and they built a life of love and laughter and Jennifer survives. 

In addition to his wife, he is survived by a son, Wyatt Mermis; his parents, Staci and Jeff Ashworth of Joplin; brother, Joey Howard and wife, Angie of Neosho; two sisters, Samantha Watson and husband, Dustin of Springfield, Missouri, Sarah Ashworth and partner, Josh of Texas; maternal grandparents, Al and Cindy Potter of Neosho, Missouri; maternal uncle, Kevin Potter and wife, Becky; mother-in-law, Kathy Kronkow; grandmother in law, Doris Swabby; two sisters-in-law, Jody Cargile and husband, Nate and Jackie Lane and husband, Jacob, all of Neosho and numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, God sons; other family and numerous friends. 

He is preceded in death by his father, Sammy Howard, maternal grandfather, Larry Woodward and paternal grandparents, John and Mildred Howard.