Vernon “Andy” Howie, 74, of Newell, SD, passed away on Monday, November 13, 2023, surrounded by loved ones at Fort Meade VA hospital.
Andy was born to Raymond and Georgia Howie on May 30, 1949. He grew up in White Owl, SD.
Andy worked in the Oil fields, was a prominent handyman, and a custodian for the Newell School district. He spent countless hours assisting others within the community with tree trimming, plumbing, and other needed services. He served in the 25th Infantry in Little Bear, as a gunner and crew chief, fighting out of Cu’ Chi. He made it home to marry the love of his life, Tresa Bonato in 1975.
Andy was a decorated war hero, and a prominent staple of the community. He spent his life devoted to service, He was the City Commissioner, served on the City Council for 10 years and was the Fire Chief in Newell, SD. He also belonged to the American Legion, Paralyzed Veterans of America, V.V.A., V.F.W. and the D.A.V. He enjoyed time with his friends, Steve & Kay, Phill & Karen, and Bob & Kay. Above anything Andy cherished what mattered in life most to him, his family, friends, and his two dogs.
Andy is survived by his devoted wife of 48 years: Tresa; father: Raymond Howie; brothers: Ron (Kerry) Howie, and Mike (Linda) Howie; sister-in-law: Kristy Bonato; four beautiful children: Michelle (Robert) Vinning, Cody (Raymond) Baker, Amber Howie, and Robby (Sara) Howie; eighteen wonderful grandchildren: Raven, Sloane, Meagan, Miranda, Katelyn, Torin, Chance, Tristen, Amber, Hannah, Taya, Mieka, Desirae, Dylan, Hayden, Jaden, Ashton, and Ava; twenty-two great-grandchildren with 3 more on the way; he loved his nieces: Darcy Bates, Melinda Stewart, Amanda Geer, and Tanna Holzer; and nephews: Dustin Schmidt, Sean Bonato, Jamin Bonato, Nathan Howie.
Andy was preceded in death by his grandparents, Betty (Alden) Hobbs, and Art (Phyllis) Bonato; his mother, Georgia (Moravec) Howie; and his brother-in-law, Bob Bonato; his nephews, Tony Howie, and Trent Howie.
Visitation will be 5-7 p.m. on Thursday, November 16, 2023, at Kinkade Funeral Chapel in Sturgis, SD.
Funeral services will be 10:00 a.m. on Friday, November 17, 2023, at Kinkade Funeral Chapel. Burial will follow at 11:00 a.m. with military honors at Black Hills National Cemetery near Sturgis, SD.
A memorial has been established to Healing Waters.
Condolences may be sent to the family at www.kinkadefunerals.com.
