Richard Howe Sr.
Jan 31, 1947 -
Aug 7, 2026
Sergeant First Class Richard Vet Howe Sr., 79, of Anchorage, Alaska, passed away peacefully on Aug. 7, 2026.
Born in Grants Pass, Ore., Richard was the son of James Henry Howe and Thelma Lorraine Baker. Drafted into the United States Army in 1965, he answered his nation's call with honor and distinction. During a military career that spanned three decades, Richard served a tour in Vietnam from 1968 to 1969, and ultimately retired as a Sergeant First Class from the U.S. Army and Army Reserve in 1995. He also served with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers from 1993 to 1996 and, throughout his years in the Reserve, was known for taking on a variety of side jobs to support his family and community.
Richard earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Alaska Anchorage in 1984. A lifelong learner and craftsman, he especially enjoyed pottery whenever circumstances allowed and took great pride in his beadwork, creating treasured pieces for family and friends.
In 1965, Richard met the love of his life, Sheila Ruth Davenport, at a USO dance in Riverside, Calif., where she was serving as a chaperone. The couple married in 1966, and shared nearly 52 years of marriage until Sheila's passing on March 2, 2018. Together they built a family rooted in love, service and dedication to others.
Richard devoted much of his life to mentoring young people. First as a parent guiding his own sons, and later as a leader within the Boy Scouts of America; he served the Western Alaska Council from 1977 through 2023 in various troop- and council-level positions. He was also an active member of the Order of the Arrow, where he exemplified the values of leadership, service and brotherhood. In addition, Richard was a longtime member of the Knights of Columbus, remaining active from the 1980s until his passing.
Richard is survived by his sons, Rick V. Howe, Howard J. Howe and Robert V. Howe; sisters, Cora Field and Randi Windley; and grandchildren, Josh Howe, Dominic (Nicole) Telencio, Andrew Howe, Stephen Howe and Shannon (Howe) McMitchell. He is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and in-laws. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Sheila, and by both of his parents.
A Funeral Mass will be held on Sept. 16, 2026, at noon, at St. Patrick Parish in Anchorage, followed by a family military burial at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Boy Scouts of America, Great Alaska Council (Order of the Arrow, Chugach District).
Richard's legacy of service, faith, leadership and unwavering devotion to family will continue to inspire all who knew him. He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered.
