Howard Owen Colin was born on June 18, 1939 to parents Clifford and Helen Marie Colin at the family farm in Scales Mound, IL. He passed from this life on October 24, 2021 in Springfield , MO.

Howard was born into the farm life and loved every season spent there. After graduation from the Scales Mound High School in 1975 he entered the USN after serving his senior year as a USN recruit. Howard was sent to Norfolk, VA, and was assigned to the ship Robert L. Wilson where he served honorably for two years as a gunner's mate. He returned home to the farm life and attended the remaining year of his military requirement at the Dubuque Iowa Reserve Naval Station.

Howard married Ruby Olds in Douthat, OK, on June 2, 1962. They farmed for another 5 years. Howard was then employed by SAAM Petroleum in Scales Mound for 12 years, then later employed by the Galena Territory working various positions for 23 years. He later worked at Signcraft Screen printing until retiring in September 2004 to live in southern Missouri where he enjoyed visiting Branson, MO, and Volunteering at James River Church.

Howard is preceded in death by his parents and brother Lee Edwin Colin.

He is survived by his wife Ruby June (Olds) Colin; their children: Brian of Clinton, AL, Robert of Republic, MO, David of Springfield, MO, and Gidget of Galena , IL; grandchildren: Holly of Clanton, AL, Ashley of Spencer, IA, Hope of West Plains, MO, Michael of Springfield , MO , Isaac of West Plains, MO, and Hanna of West Plains, MO; 8 step grandchildren; 3 step great grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews, including one very special nephew Tony of Galena, IL. Howard is also survived by sisters Barbara Hoppe of Galena, IL, and Marjorie Morhardt of Scales Mound, IL . .

Howard will be laid to rest in the Springfield Veterans Cemetery under the care of Klingner-Cope Family Funeral Home at Rivermonte.