Leonard Riley Howe, Sr.

January 1, 1931 ~ December 31, 2021

Leonard Riley Howe, Sr., born January 1, 1931 in Kane, WY during a blizzard that is famous for that area, passed away December 31, 2021 during a blizzard in our area. His parents are William Louis Howe and Lita Grant Howe.

Known by most people as Riley, he joined the Air Force and served for four years during the Korean War as a Flight Engineer. He spent two years in Japan flying supplies into the war zone and soldiers out.

When he was honorably discharged, he served in the Eastern States Mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

His mission president advised him to go to college at the Brigham Young University, which he did. There he met Bessie Harvey, asking her to spend the rest of their lives together.

They continued their education, graduating in June 1961, and returned to San Juan County where they were hired as teachers in the Eastland, Monticello, and Blanding schools.

Riley taught 12 years, including three in Eastland, seven in Blanding, and three in Monticello.

He had several businesses, beginning with the 4-Point Meat Plant.

He took a correspondence course to learn refrigeration so he could do his own repairs at the meat plant.

He had a chain saw business and bought the theaters in Monticello and Dove Creek. That wasn’t enough, so he built and erected drive-ins at Blanding and Montezuma Creek.

These were closed when video and HBO became available, as theaters were “out of date.”

Most of his time was spent doing meat processing until 2009 when his health took a turn and he was unable to continue the work.

Riley and Bessie celebrated 63 years of marriage last June. They are the parents of eight children.

Surviving are Leonard, Quinn, Dawn, Janelle, Teddy, Karen, and Stella; 25 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren; and more little spirits waiting to come.

He is predeceased by a son, Austin; his parents, Lou and Lita; brothers, Grant, Ed, and Teddy; and sisters Elsie, Lula Bell, and Lucy.

His desire was to be buried within 24 hours, and he outlined his wishes for a memorial service which will be held January 8 at 2 p.m. in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, North Chapel, 247 North 300 West, Monticello, UT. All are welcome – casual dress optional.

He has been laid to rest at the Mountain View Cemetery in Eastland, UT.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to the David Gillette family.