Leroy Howren

LEROY C. HOWREN

May 6, 1943-June 27, 2016

Cedar Rapids

Leroy C. Howren, 73, of Cedar Rapids, formerly of Keokuk, died Monday afternoon, June 27, 2016, at his home in Cedar Rapids.

He was born on May 6, 1943, in Keokuk, the son of Ursel and Rosie Howren. He married Jodie Chezem. They later divorced. He later married Marcia Bowles. They divorced.

Survivors include four sons, Tyler (Senta) of Seattle, Wash., Andy (Melaina) of South Beloit, Ill., Eric of St. Charles, Mo., and Jon of Cedar Rapids; a daughter, Callie (Nick) Borders of Cedar Rapids; and seven grandchildren, Colette, Dean, Estelle, Langston, Theo, Ella and Audrey.

He was preceded in death by his parents; two sisters, Twila Welker and Pat Ricker; and stepson, Chad Little

Lee was a graduate of Keokuk High School. He served in the U.S. Army from 1966 to 1968 and was deployed to Vietnam in 1967. Lee attained the rank of sergeant and was awarded a Purple Heart. He managed grocery stores in Iowa and Illinois for over 30 years. He was later employed by the Keokuk Community School District.

Lee was a member of Hope United Church of Christ in Cedar Rapids. He enjoyed spending time with his family and socializing with friends. He was a sports fan and he followed politics closely. Lee also loved his dog, Howie.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Friday at Vigen Memorial Home in Keokuk with Mary Beth Hartenstein officiating. Visitation will be held from 9:30 to 11 a.m. Friday at the funeral home with the family meeting with friends at that time. Burial with military rites will be in Keokuk National Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.vigenmemroialhome.com.