SPC Darren D. Howe, 21 years of age of Beatrice, Nebraska, died at the Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio, Texas on Thursday November 3, 2005 from injuries he sustained in Iraq. He was born on March 20, 1984 at Beatrice and attended Cedar Elementary and Beatrice Middle School. He graduated from Beatrice High School in 2003, where he had participated in choir. He was married to Nakia Pearson on May 30, 2003 in Plymouth, Nebraska. He joined the U.S. Army Reserves in September of 2001 and served with the Third Infantry Division of the Third Brigade which was stationed in Iraq. He was a member of the Homestead Baptist Church of Beatrice, Nebraska. He enjoyed spending time with his children, working on vehicles and running.

Survivors include his wife, Nakia of Plymouth, Nebraska. Daughter, Shaye-Maleigh Howe and son, Gary-Dean Howe both living at home. Mother and step-father, JoDee Klaus and her husband Greg of Beatrice, Nebraska. Father and step-mother, Steve Howe and his wife Beau of Emporia, Kansas. Two brothers, Brandon Howe and his wife Jennifer of Fairbury, Nebraska and Alex Klaus of Beatrice, Nebraska. Sisters, Jenna R. Howe and Becca K. Howe both of Emporia, Kansas. Grandmother, Martha Howe of Beatrice, Nebraska and grandparents, Daryl and Gloria Baker of Beatrice, Nebraska. Parents-in-law, Gayla and Stacy Claassen of Beatrice, Nebraska and John Pearson of Plymouth, Nebraska. Brothers-in-law, Andrew Pearson and his wife Kendrah of Appleton, Wisconsin, Blaize Pearson of Rota, Spain and Kalob Pearson and his wife Tammy of Gillette, Wyoming. Sister-in-law, Johnna Eppens and her husband Shawn of Wymore, Nebraska. Great-grandfather, Clifford Howe of Beatrice, Nebraska. Step-sisters-in-law, Jamie, Alyssa and Shaina Claassen all of Beatrice, Nebraska. Grandparents-in-law, Gary and Judy Gibson of Beatrice, Nebraska, Nora Pearson of Plymouth, Nebraska and great-grandmother-in-law, Lillian Bratt of Beatrice, Nebraska. Step-grandparents, Donald and Olivia Klaus of Beatrice, Nebraska and Richard and Karen L’Ecuyer of Washington, Kansas. Step-great-grandmother, Bertha Klaus of Beatrice, Nebraska. Many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. He was preceded in death by his grandmother, Sherrill Baker, great-grandparents, Dean and Evelyn Baker, his step-great-grandfather, Herbert Klaus and grandfather-in-law, Roger Pearson.

Funeral services will be held Friday, November 11, 2005 at 11:00 A.M. at the St. John Lutheran Church of Beatrice with Pastor Mark Sutphin and Pastor David Kramer officiating. Burial will be in the Evergreen Home Cemetery of Beatrice. A family prayer service will be held Friday at 10:30 A.M. in the basement of the church. In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established to the family’s choice with Keith and Mary Ellen Long in charge. Military honors will be conducted at the cemetery. Closed casket visitation will be on Thursday from 8:00 A.M. until 6:00 P.M. at the Fox Funeral Home. A guestbook for signatures and messages of condolence is available online at www.foxfuneralhome.net. Fox Funeral Home of Beatrice, Nebraska is in charge of the arrangements.

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He is also honored on Warriors Walk, Ft. Stewart, GA. ...contributed by Tony Justi, Wreaths for Warriors Walk, Inc.