Canova McCall Howard

Canova MCall Howard “Coke”, 87 of Lake Butler, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family Monday, September 26th.  Mr. Howard was born in Alachua on October 11th, 1934 and has been a lifelong resident of Union County.  Canova was married to the love of his life, Shirley O’steen Howard for 70 long and cherished years. He was a devoted family man, respected businessman, farmer and lifetime member of Harmony Free Will Baptist Church. 

Canova is preceded in death by his parents, Irene and Amos Edge Howard; son Charles Canvoa Howard and grandson Charles “Chuck” Canova Howard.  

He is survived by his loving wife of 70 years, Shirley O’steen Howard of Lake Butler; Sister, Mary Frances Howard of Rincon, Ga; his sons and their wifes Andy (Gigi) Howard, John Carl (Melanie) Howard and David (Ruth Ann) Howard all of Lake Butler; Niece, Aimee Howard Cress of Rincon, Ga; grandchildren, Zeb( Georgie) Howard, Shayna(Kevin) Harrison, Justin (Jessica) Howard, Megan (Jerrod) Perry and Ashton (Kendyl) Willis; 12 great-grandchildren, Tatum, Gage, Graysen, Peyten, Kennon, Blair, Hadley, Piper, JoyDel, Jepson, Drake and Judd.

Mr. Howard was a hard working businessman from a young age. Canova and Shirley owned a corner grocery store in front of their family home in their twenties, until it burned down in 1979.  In 1976, Mr. Howard founded Ho-Bo Tractor Company, a tractor company still operated today by his son’s John and David and grandson Justin. He also owned Howard’s Auto Parts in Lake Butler. Farming and cattle was a deep passion for Canova, as well as leading and guiding others to find their true paths and follow their hearts.  He was an avid hunter and loved the outdoors.  He had a passion for telling stories and boy they sure could be entertaining and quite colorful.  

Many people cross our paths in life that we meet and appreciate.  Rare are the people we meet that deeply and even profoundly impact our lives: Canova Howard was definitely one of those men!  He was a larger than life figure that will be remembered for his devotion to his family, faith and community.  His love for his grand-children is unsurpassed and his work ethic is unmatched.

Mr. Howard will be deeply missed by his family, friends and loyal customers, but never forgotten.  His memory will remain strong through his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.  

A funeral service to honor Mr. Howard will be held on Monday, October 3^rd at 1:00pm at his church, Harmony Free Will Baptist. The family will receive friends for a visitation on Sunday, October 2^nd from 5:00pm to 7:00pm at Archer-Milton Funeral Home. Mr. Howard will be laid to rest immediately following the service on Monday at Elzey Chapel Cemetery. Services will be officiated by Pastors Larry Clyatt and Bob Brown. Arrangements are under the care and direction of Archer-Milton Funeral Home, Lake Butler. 386-496-2008 www.ArcherFuneralHome.com