Timothy Edward Howe, 73, died Sunday evening, Feb. 5, 2023, at Savannah Heights care center in Mount Pleasant. He was born Oct. 23, 1949, in Plattsmouth, Neb., the son of Joseph P. and Minnie E. Adams Howe.
Tim was a man of many interests and talents, not least of was a knack for great storytelling, most of which were true. He loved animals and kids and people in general. Above all was his inherent humility, his loyalty to friends, and love of music.
His day jobs ranged from gold mining as a young man in the Dakotas to working in security at American Ordnance in Middletown until ill health forced his retirement.
For the better part of four decades, his nights and weekends were spent on stage with several Iowa-based bands that regularly performed at venues across the Midwest, including Steamboat Days. His instrument was a remarkable voice. His lifelong affair with singing began with a garage band as a teen. His broad vocal range and style led to gigs as lead singer with several well-known bands, including Tyde, a pure rock n roll band, the country western group Neon Moon and the R&B/rock band Blind Eye. Tim was inducted into the Iowa Rock N Roll Hall of Fame in 2010, primarily for his work with Tyde.
Surviving are his cherished big sister, Jo Ann Stewart of Columbus, Montana; his children, Lisa (Robert) Burlleson, Sanford, Florida; Heidi (Mark) Sterner, Wichita, Kansas; sons Damon Howe and Justin Howe, both of Burlington; his brother in law Craig (Ila) Robinson, New London; eleven grandchildren, several great-grandchildren, and nieces and nephews.
Also surviving is his best friend, loving companion, caretaker, and his biggest fan for three decades, Sarah Sweet of Burlington.
He was preceded in death by his parents, sister Judy Peterson, and brother-in-law Roger “Lucky” Stewart.
Not much for ceremony, Tim opted to be cremated and requested no funeral and certainly no flowers, though he had no animosity toward either.
As Tim’s final encore played out in recent days, he suggested an epitaph fitting for the humble, decent man he was. He asked that you smile at a stranger; laugh often; mentor a child; rescue a pet; give a hand up; thank a health care worker; and finally, “roll a big fat one; crank up the music and sing your heart out — but be in key.”