March 2, 1920 ~ February 24, 2009

Elliot Castleton Howe passed to the next life February 24, 2009, with his family around him, six days before his 89^th birthday.  He was born March 2, 1920, in Salt Lake City to Florence Castleton and Charles Ralph Howe.  He enlisted in the Army Air Corps during World War II, qualifying as a B-29 co-pilot just before the end of the war.  After completing a B.A. and M.A. at Brigham Young University, he completed an Ed.D. at the University of Utah.  He married his sweetheart Maralyne Haskell August 25, 1948 in the Salt Lake LDS Temple, and they celebrated their sixtieth wedding anniversary last year.  They are the parents of nine children:  Susan (Cless) Young; Carolyn; Michelle (Mel) Pyne; Jack (Kristin); Nancy (Greg) Bean; Joseph (Kjirsten); Ralph; Dale (Crystal); and Alan (Koleen).  They currently have 34 grandchildren and 15 great grandchildren.  Elliot worked as an educator throughout his career, beginning as a fifth grade teacher at Maeser Elementary, then assistant professor of elementary education and acting principal of the BYU Lab School; and spending most of his career as a foreign language specialist, first for the Alpine School District and then twenty years for the Utah State Office of Education, traveling to Switzerland, France, Egypt, and Mexico in work assignments.  He particularly loved Spanish, and spoke it whenever he could.  After retiring, he and his wife taught English for a year at Nanjing Forestry University in China.  Elliot had great faith and served in many capacities in the LDS Church:  missionary in the Spanish-American Mission (1940-43); bishop of the Pleasant Grove Manila Ward (1960-65); president of the Texas Mission (1967-70); and in many other ward and stake callings. A long-time resident of Pleasant Grove, he loved family activities, BYU sports, hunting, nurturing his iris and rose gardens, growing grapes, apricots, apples, and peaches, attending the temple, and doing genealogy.  He was known for his sense of humor, his hard work, and his humility.  He is preceded in death by three children (Carolyn, Nancy, and Ralph), his parents, his brother Dale and his two sisters June H. Johnson and Janet H. Green. 

Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, March 3, 2009 at 11:00 a.m. in the
Grove Ward Chapel, 455 East 200 South, Pleasant Grove. A viewing will be held Sunday, March 1, 2009 from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. at Olpin Family Mortuary, 494 South 300 East, Pleasant Grove, and at the church on Tuesday one hour prior to services.  Interment will be in the Pleasant Grove City Cemetery. Military honors conduction by American Legion Post 72.  Condolences may be sent to the family at www.olpinmortuary.com 

Condolences (15)

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Charlotte Touati said:

In 1976, new to the state of Utah, I was hired to teach French at Orem High School. My teaching experience until then had only been in other countries, and I was unfamiliar with many aspects of teaching in the USA. Within a year, due to his official duties as Foreign Language Specialist, Elliot came into my professional life. His influence in my own professional development was incalculable. I worked on many local and state committees with Elliot. He was completely devoted to advancing the teaching of foreign languages. During the times we worked together, I grew to know and admire his gentle ways. His smile and laughter were always welcoming. Although a state leader in education, he remained humble and imminently available to all. Although I haven't been in touch with Elliot since his retirement, I have continued to think of him over time. Please accept my sympathy and profound admiration for this gentle leader and kind man. Charlotte Touati

February 27, 2009

Barry Bezzant said:

Dear Howe Family, I am saddened to hear of the passing of your good dad Elliot. He was a great man with such a strong testimony of the gospel of Jesus Christ. His testimony had a profound affect on me and my testimony. I will always remember him as a man close to his Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. As a young man, I enjoyed many great times at your home listening to stories, laughing with your mom and dad, and seeing the blessings that could be had in a good latter-day saint home. Your dad will be missed here in this mortal life, but I can imagine the wonderful reunion on the other side with those who have gone on before. My prayers and thoughts are with you as you experience the loss of your dad. Respectfully, Barry Bezzant

February 27, 2009

Sue Hatch said:

Maralyne, All your friends at the Marriott Center are thinking of you and your family at this time. We will always remember all the fun times we had with you and Elliot. We treasure your friendship. May the Lord bless you and your family at this time. Sue Hatch Kay Thomas LaRae Hawkins Mary Jean Draper Jessie Hartvigsen

February 27, 2009

Jan Erickson said:

Condolences and best wishes at this time of separation. I'm sure President Howe has secured his reward among our Eternal Father's presence. Sister Howe, may all be well and the love and spirit of the Lord comfort you and your family. It was a large chapter of my life to serve as President Howe's Secretary in the Texas Mission. Those memories are still and always will be with me. I became a minor member of your family for a time. Former Texas Missionary, Jan Erickson

February 27, 2009

Bob and Ruth Shoell said:

Howe Family, Ruth and I express our sincere sympathy to you at the passing of your father. He is a long time friend. Thanks to Alan, who was my nurse, when I had surgery. He was wonderful to me and the family. I was the Timp. Stake Clerk when he served as Bishop in Manila. Our family expresses their love and support to all of you at this special time. May the blessings of Heaven be with you, always.

February 28, 2009

Ken Duvall said:

Dear Howe family, Sorry to hear of your loss. The late Nancy and I were the same age. May the Lord be with you at this difficult time. Ken Duvall

February 28, 2009

Michael G. Allphin said:

I love Pres and Sister Howe. I feel terrible that I won't be able to be at this memorial worship service for my beloved Priesthood Leader. I have been extremely ill this past 2 weeks and am recovering in St. George at the home of my father-in-law. Please know of my love and deep appreciation for all of you for the sacrifice you all, and especially President, made from 1967-1970. My life has not and will never be the same for the expriences that I had in Texas and the love and yes, correction, that came from both Pres. and Sister Howe. I am so grateful for the time that I spent in the mission home getting to know all of you so personally. I shall never forget the Christmas of 1970 that I spent with you all and how kind you were to me. I loved the evening devotionals, the meals, the shopping trips, making bread and cookies and the fun we had. I shall never forget the sacrifice that Pres made when his own parent died while he was serving. I remember him in his office listening to the recording of the service that Sister Howe brought back. If Sister Howe is aware, please tell her that Elder Allphin loves her and appreciates all she and President have done for him. They will always be heros to me. Love to you all, may the Lord bless you abundantly over this next few days and then certainly as the weeks and months come and go. Again, but for this illness I would make whatever sacrifice to come and honor my mentor, friend and beloved Priesthood Leader. Elder Allphin

February 28, 2009

Andrew Allison said:

To the Howe family: When I learned about President Howe's passing a few days ago, the news affected me very deeply. I felt as though I had lost a second father. I served in the Texas Mission from 1968 to 1970, and during that time I had the privilege of living in the mission home twice, so I came to know President and Sister Howe and their children fairly well. To me you are all angels! Thank you for blessing my life, my family, and the lives of thousands of others. In many ways President Howe was like my own father (who passed away in 2001). He was a true Christian, kind and gentle, but occasionally a little stern when I needed correction. I'm grateful for that. Like my dad, President Howe was remarkably patient and charitable toward my many weaknesses and failings. I will forever be indebted to him for all he taught me. May God bless his memory, and may He bless Sister Howe and each member of the Howe family. Please know that my love and prayers are with each of you.--Elder Andrew Allison

March 01, 2009

Curt Holman said:

Dale and Family, So sorry to hear about the passing of your father. I have such great memories of my younger years at your home. Elliot and Marilyn were always so wonderful. My sympathies are with you at this time. Curt Holman

March 01, 2009

Randall Lund said:

My sympathies to the family. Elliot was the state specialist for foreign language when I broke into the profession in the 70's. He was capable, skilled, humble, personable, and did much good for the profession.

March 02, 2009

Dave Myers said:

Dear Susan and Cless & other family members: I was sad to hear today, about your Father's passing. I wish I could have attended the viewing but I heard the news to late. It was interesting to read all Mr. Howe accomplished in his long life. Your family is in our prayers and we wish you well going through this challenging time. Concentrate on the important things and family needs, let those less important areas slide for awhile. Sincerely, MSgt Dave Myers Utah Air National Guard

March 02, 2009

Paul Campbell said:

Dear Howe family: So sorry to hear of the passing of your father. Elliot Howe was my Fifth Grade teacher at Maeser Elementary School and far and away the best teacher that I ever had. He made a difference in my life and many of his other students. He will live on in our memories. Paul Campbell St George, Utah

March 03, 2009

Laurie Memmott Garn said:

Dear Dale and family, I was so sad to hear of your father's passing. I hope you and your family will remember all the good times you have shared together. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. Sincerely, Laurie

March 03, 2009

John & Jan Carpenter said:

Dear Susan and Family, My wife and I send our most heart felt condolences. This is a great picture of you dad. After, about - 50 years I instantly recognized him! As our Bishop, He was very helpful to my mom and our family! best, John & Jan Carpenter

March 03, 2009

Nancy LaPray Taylor said:

Wow! Your dad was an incredible man! I loved reading his obituary and picturing him doing all of the things in it. So sorry about your loss. Nancy

March 04, 2009