Lonnie W. Howie Sr.

LONNIE WILLAIAM HOWIE, SR., was born on April 7, 1939 in Baltimore, Maryland to the late Willie Cleo and Mary Elizabeth Howie. Lonnie completed his education in the public schools of Baltimore City and was baptized at an early age at the Wayland Baptist Church, where for a time he sang with the Men’s Chorus. Lonnie will be remembered as a solider, a statesman, and a strong man who was devoted to his family and friends. He was a soldier. Following a tree year stint in the Air Force, Lonnie jointed the Army. During his military career, Lonnie was posted to Panama, Korea, and Germany. He was stationed in the United States in Missouri, Pennsylvania, Georgia, North Carolina, Oklahoma, California, Virginia, and Fort George G. Meade. He bravely served his country in the Korean conflict and in Viet Nam. It was during his time in Panama that he met the love of his life, Alba. The two were married on June 28,1965 in Colon. Together they had two children, Elisa and his son, Lonnie, Jr., who preceded him in death. During his service in the Military, Lonnie traveled with the Army Field Band, Showcase, and performed in Germany and England. He was gifted musician and talented singer. He was a statesman. Six months after the completion of military service, Lonnie entered the civil service at Fort Meade. He held a number of positions, including Property Book Officer and Management Analyst. His leadership skills were evident by his election as president of Local 1622 of the American Federation of Government Employees. As union president, Lonnie served on the negotiating team, managed grievances, advocated on behalf of union members and counseled employees. He retired from Fort Mead in 2004, following 25 years of civilian service. Although he had retired from his day job, Lonnie continued to serve as a union president. In January of 2011, Lonnie received the Department of the Army’s Commander’s Award for Public Service for his commitment to the Union and to improve employee-management relations. He was recognized for his significant contributions to Fort Meade, where a brick in the Centennial Park walkway has been dedicated to him. Lonnie enjoyed watching professional sports, particularly football and baseball, with friends and family. An avid reader, he completed a number of courses at Morgan State University. Lonnie was generous with his time and talents. He offered his unwavering support to his relatives and friends, and never missed a family celebration or milestone. Lonnie was the unofficial Howie family genealogist, having traveled to South Carolina to visit his father’s birthplace and to meet distant cousins. He was a strong man. Lonnie, Sr. departed this life on February 10, 2011, after a long and courageous battle with cancer. Lonnie leaves to cherish his memory: his loving wife, Alba Howie of Ellicott City, Maryland; His daughter, Elisa Howie, of Baltimore; his granddaughter, Qianna Smith; siblings, Ida Shirley Wright; Odessa Howie Coates (Johnny), Allegra Howie; Michael Berry Howie, Sr. (Anne), and James; brother-in-law: Alberto Henriquez (Anna); Gilberto Gonzalez (Humberto) as well as a host of nephews and nieces. His loved one will long remember his fruff wit, his Kool Aid brews, his gold jewelry, and his fierce devotion to family. We will cherish his memory as we continue his legacy of strength, constancy and love.

Tributes

Lonnie W. Howie Sr.

April 7, 1939 - February 10, 2011