Burdette M. Howe

A lifelong area resident, he was born March 17, 1933, at his grandparent’s farm in the town of Conewango, N.Y. He was the son of the late Manley and Mable Harris Howe.

Burdette attended Falconer High School and was a veteran of the U.S. Navy.

He operated the family farm and was also employed by MRC-SKF for 44 1/2 years, retiring in 1995.

Burdette was a member of the Ellington United Methodist Church and served as a trustee and on the Fellowship Hall Building Committee. He was a lifetime member of the Ellington Volunteer Fire Department having served as fire chief for 10 years, Fire Chief Commissioners and Fire Chief Association.

Burdette served as Ellington town supervisor for 10 years, was a founding member of the Ellington Historical Society was a past member of the Ellington Town Picnic Association, Chautauqua County Beef Association, Route 62 Association and the Poland Senior Citizens.

He enjoyed his family, grandchildren, raising beef cattle, working on machinery, household projects and watching NASCAR.

Burdette was very much a hands-on worker who will be remembered as a dedicated citizen and first responder to the town of Ellington. He was instrumental in building the first ambulance and used his skills in converting equipment into fire trucks. He also was the project leader in the construction of the fellowship hall at EUMC.

Surviving are his children: James B. (Patti) Howe of Westport, Conn., Rhonda M. (Bob) Lindquist of Falconer, Brenda L. (Christopher) Fischer of Falconer, and Jarrett L. Howe of New York, N.Y.; four grandchildren: Jacob Fischer, Joshua Fischer, Maxwell Lindquist and Caroline Howe. Also surviving are his brothers-in-law: Robert S. (Ethelyn) Johnson, Gary L. (Kathleen) Johnson, Lloyd K. Johnson Jr. (late Sue); and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Phylis M. Johnson Howe, whom he married Feb. 17, 1956, in Kennedy, N.Y., and who died Oct. 30, 2012; and grandson, Cameron J. Howe.

A private service will be held at the convenience of the family. Burial will be in Valley View Cemetery, Ellington.

Memorial contributions may be donated to the Ellington Volunteer Fire Department, P.O. Box 59, Ellington, NY 14732.

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