Merle E. Howson

Merle Edward Howson, 76, of Nelsonville, passed away Friday, August 31, 2018 at his residence.  He was born in Nelsonville, January 27, 1942, son of the late Orlando and Edith Campbell Howson.  He was married for 51 years to Alice Lauderback Howson, who survives.

Merle graduated from Nelsonville High School in 1960.  He worked at Brooks Shoe Company for several years and retired from Goodyear.  He was an avid NASCAR fan, especially of Dale Earnhardt and Richard Petty. He was also a fan of many local racecar drivers including the Mellinger’s, the Holley’s and the McPherson’s.

In addition to his wife, Alice, Merle is survived by a daughter, Julie Conrad of Nelsonville; grandchildren, Sarah Whitmore of Athens and Jarod (Emily) Conrad of Chillicothe; sister, Janet (Dan) Wright of Michigan; mother-in-law, Audrey Lauderback; brother-in-law, Ronnie (Kathy) Lauderback of Nelsonville and numerous nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a sister, Donna Jean (Dick) Baker; son-law-law, Jim Conrad; father-in-law, Jim Lauderback; sister-in-law, Johnnie (Bob) Kasler and a nephew, Jasen Baker.

The Howson family would like to thank the caring staff at Ohio Health Hospice in Athens especially Larissa and Janet.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM, Wednesday, September 5, 2018 at the Souers-Cardaras Funeral Home, 46 Fayette St., Nelsonville with Rev King Kelly officiating. Interment will be at Greenlawn Cemetery, Nelsonville. Friends may call Tuesday from 5-9 PM at the funeral home.

The family suggests donations in memory of Merle Howson be made to Ohio Health Home Care, 444 West Union St., Suite C, Athens, Ohio 45701.

Please sign his online guestbook at www.cardaras.com