Obituary of Robert F. Howe Sr.

Robert "Bob" Howe, a long-time resident of Afton, died July 11, 2024, at the United Methodist Homes Elizabeth Church campus in Binghamton. Bob was born September 2, 1926, to Leland and Leah Howe in Sidney. He had three brothers (Ray, Jim, and Don) and three sisters (Marthena, Leona, and Vi). Bob was a proud WWII veteran serving in the Navy on the USS Stafford and was honorably discharged in 1947. Bob married his teenage sweetheart Lillian in January 1946, and after his Naval service, he began working at IBM Endicott. Bob and Lillian served as house parents for a cottage of boys at the Susquehanna Valley Children's Home from 1955 to 1960. In 1969, Bob resigned from IBM and began serving with Child Evangelism Fellowship as a local director and then state director for 17 years. In 1986, he began Bibles for Children to supply free Bibles to children who didn't have access to one. In 1999, Bob lost his wife of 53 years to cancer. God graciously brought him a new love, Mary, whom he leaves behind after 23 years of marriage. Bob and Mary faithfully served Bibles for Children until 2022. Bob enjoyed hunting and fishing as hobbies. Bob loved building things and always had a project to work on. Bob loved his family. He is survived by his wife Mary; two daughters, Candy and Pam, four sons, Tim, Ray, Bob Jr., and Steve; 22 grandchildren and 32 great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by his wife Lillian and by two sons David and Bruce. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Bibles for Children. DUE TO THE POWER OUTAGE THE MEMORIAL SERVICE HAS BEEN RESCHEDULED FOR FRIDAY, JULY 19 AT THE PORT CRANE BAPTIST CHURCH AT 11:00am.