Francis ‘Fran’ Lee Howe

McKENZIE — Francis “Fran” Lee Howe, 80, was born on January 10, 1946, and died on October 30, 2026. He was the beloved husband of Marianne (nee Pickard) Howe; father of two daughters, Rene Reynolds (Jason) and Michelle Gauchot (Nicot); loving son of the late Harold and Gladys Howe; also survived by four grandchildren, Owen Vaughn Reynolds (Shelby), Lucy Siobhan Reynolds, Trist Gwenoel Megret (Julie), and Celia Jo Gauchot; and one brother, along with many adoring nieces and nephews.

Francis Lee Howe was born in Martinsville, Illinois. He was one of six children.

After graduating from college, his first place of employment was Bethel. He met and married the love of his life, Marianne, and they made McKenzie their home for 33 years.

Fran was a man of service. In his early years, he served several churches as a minister, including the Cumberland Presbyterian Church.

He was a skilled carpenter as well as a businessman in his early years. After finishing his education, he worked for and retired from Carey Counseling.

Fran worked with youth throughout his life as a counselor for juveniles, performing children’s church services. He was also a teacher and taught classes at Bethel University. In retirement, he loved working as a substitute teacher in the elementary schools. He enjoyed fishing and trap shooting and was a loyal fan of the Bethel University Lady Wildcats. He loved all types of music and performing arts. He was a skilled orator. But one of his less notable but very loved hobbies was his role as a Shepard. Fran raised and showed sheep with his daughters as a 4H project. A project to spend time with his daughters turned into him making his mark as a champion showman of sheep for several years. Fran did not talk about religion, but he was a true servant of the Lord. He served his fellow man in many ways and he will be missed.

Funeral arrangements are being arranged by Brummitt-McKenzie Funeral Home in McKenzie. Please check the Brummit-McKenzie Funeral Home website for details of the service to be held on Sunday, November 8, 2026, at 2 p.m. at First Cumberland Presbyterian Church, McKenzie. +