SIKESTON — Josh Lee Howard was born on Feb. 22, 1952, in Clarksdale, Miss. He was the fourth son of 12 children born to the union of Josh and Chaney Shannon Howard. After beginning his life in Mississippi, the family moved to Sikeston, Mo., 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, Colo., 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 76ers. 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 Sells Nursing Center in Matthews, Mo., 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 Traveler’s 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; five 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 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.
Online condolences for the family may be shared at www,crainsonline.com.
Paid obituary