Joseph W. "Joe" Howard, son of the late Charles Wesley and Octie Vandora May Howard, was born in Essex on Nov. 3, 1944, and died at his home in Dexter on Tuesday, May 25, 2004, at the age of 59.

Mr. Howard had lived in Dexter most of his life. He was a Baptist and had served in the U.S. Marine Corp from 1963-1970. He was a Sergeant and served in Vietnam. He was a member of the VFW, the Elks Lodge, the N.A.F.C., and the N.A.H.C.

He is survived by one brother, Walter N. Howard of Tucson, Ariz.

Visitation will be held from 5-8 p.m. Friday, May 28, 2004, at the Watkins & Sons Funeral Chapel in Dexter.

Funeral services will be conducted at 10 a.m. Saturday, May 29, 2004, with Rev. Mike Watkins of Dexter officiating.

Interment will follow in the Hagy Cemetery in Dexter with full military honors conducted by the Stoddard County Veterans Honor Team and the Marines Flag Team.

Watkins & Sons Funeral Service of Dexter is in charge of arrangements.