Obituaries

Mack Lee Howington

Photo of Mack Lee Howington
Mack Howington passed away on Sept. 1, 2012. Born Oct. 10, 1925, to H. H. and Leonie Brock Howington, Mack was a lifelong citizen of Lepanto, Ark. He was a devoted husband to his beloved wife of 66 years, Hervey Lee Wallace Howington, who preceded him in death, and a loving father and grandfather. Survived by one brother, H.H. Howington Jr. (Lake Providence, La.), sons Harvey (Lepanto), Edward (Little Rock), and Lee (Phoenix, Ariz.) and grandchildren, Claire Howington, Andrew Howington, and Devin Howington. A graduate of Gulf Coast Military Academy, Mack attended the University of Arkansas, studying engineering and served as president of Sigma Nu fraternity, until joining the army in 1944. He was posted in Norfolk, Va. during WWII where he was in the Army Specialized Training Program, a selective program to train professionals. He and Hervey married during that year. After WWII, the couple returned to Lepanto to raise a family. Here, Mack started a successful farming business with his younger brother Jamie. Mack was among the first to use new irrigation, tillage, and chemical farming techniques. His interest in new methods continued until his retirement in 1984. Mack had many interests and hobbies. With Hervey, he was avid bird watcher and member of the Audubon Society. He was a talented amateur autoharp musician, playing with the Rackensack Society and the Mountain View community of folk musicians. They both enjoyed many cherished friendships in these pursuits. He and Hervey were steadfast friends with many local families, and were founding members of a supper club meeting monthly for over 50 years. A member of The Arkansas Craft Guild after his retirement, he enjoyed fine woodworking and sold his heirloom quality work at the War Eagle Craft Fair, the Pink Palace Craft Fair, and the Christmas Craft Fair in Little Rock. He possessed an inquisitive mind and was an avid reader, particularly of history. Mack embodied the ideals of citizenry. He loved his hometown and throughout his life was active in the community—from playing sandlot ball as a child to his many public services. These activities included teaching Sunday school at the Lepanto United Methodist church, building bleachers at the school football field, serving on the Lepanto School Board and the Quorum Court. Mack also served as a member of the Arkansas Territorial Restoration Board, and was active with the Lepanto Museum and the Farm Bureau. A solid Republican, he campaigned for many candidates through the years. He knew the state well, and could name every county seat and had many friends throughout the state. He will be remembered for his wit, loyalty, love of his family and friends, devotion to his wife, and service to his school, town, county and state. He leaves behind a loving family, many friends, and a legacy of service. Visitation will be from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 2, at Murphy Funeral Home in Lepanto and services will be held at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 3, at Lepanto United Methodist Church. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Arkansas Audubon Society or The Salvation Army.

Published September 3, 2012

Upcoming Events