Howard E. Ennis

Howard E. Ennis, Sr. of Searcy, AR was born in Mt. Hope, MO on February 8, 1923, the son of Leslie, Sr. and Ella Ennis (nee Johnson). He passed away May 20, 2007 in Searcy, Arkansas after a short illness. He was united in marriage to Mary Jane Koseck on August 24, 1946. Four children were born to this union, Sharon, Connie, Peggy and Howard, Jr. After Mary Jane's demise he was united in marriage on November 2, 1996 to Doris Dehn Bryan of St. Clair, MO. They made their home, first in St. Clair, MO and the moved to Searcy in 2001 where he spent the remainder of his life. Howard grew up around St. Clair but moved away in 1963 to pursue his career as Superintendent of International Shoe Company. He retired after working for them for 44 years. He also retired from service to his country in the United States Army, after serving 23 years, overseas in World War II and in the National Guard. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, and camping out. He was a member of Foster's Chapel Missionary Baptist Church. He belonged to the Masonic Lodge, American Legion, 40 & 8, VFW, and Elks for over 50 years.

He is survived by his wife, Doris; two of his daughters, Connie (Tim) Johnston; Peggy Wyatt; and one son, Howard, Jr. (Clara); 9 grandchildren, Justin Abbott; Dale (Renee) Wyatt; Matthew (Jennifer) Wyatt; Keri (Ricky) McDougal; Avery (Amy) Ennis; Elizabeth (David) Kempfer; Beau Johnston; Nancy Fails and Michel (Melissa) Allen. Two step-children, Rodney (Carol) Bryan; Cyndi (Mike) Siebold; two step-grandchildren, Jordan and Bryan Siebold; 8 great-grandchildren; two sisters, Hazel Crow; Melba Medley; several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his first wife of 50 years, Mary Jane Ennis; one daughter, Sharon Shepard; father, Leslie, Sr.; mother, Ella; three brothers, Leslie, Jr.; Donald and Robert; two sisters, Velma Lefler and Opal Smarr.

Howard was a family man and they came first with him. He remained close to all members of his family. He took pride in his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren and remained very close to his two sisters. He will be fondly remembered and greatly missed by all.