Everette Preston Howe (Ep)

McLaughlin, White River, SD

1934, 2754, Wind Cave, DNP-1, Ass't Leader
1935, 2754, Wind Cave, NP-1, Ass't Leader
1936, 2754, Wind Cave, DNP-1, P.S. Leader
1937, 2754, Wind Cave, NP-1, Leader

February 11, 1916 - March 16, 2004

Everett Howe's parents were Wayne and Fern Howe. He went to school in McLaughlin and graduated in 1934. At that time, he enrolled in the CCC at Wind Cave National Park, until 1938 when he married Grace Bassett. He continued working as a ranger at Wind Cave, Jewel Cave and Badlands National Park.

In 1944 he and Grace moved to Rapid City where he was employed by Henry Hackett and sons. For two years between 1942 and 1944 Ep served with the US Border Parol at El Paso TX, followed by two years with the Ninth Marine Aircraft Wing in North Carolina. He then spent four years working for Hackett in Aberdeen, Pierre and Watertown.

In 1950 Ep and Sherwood "Woody" Corner formed Corner and Howe Construction partnership. Six years later, Chris Lee joined the business that was then called Corner, Howe and Lee. Throughout the area they were responsible for commerical, industrial and institutional buildings at Mount Rushmore National Memorial, facilities at the Badlands and contracts at Ellsworth Air Force Base. In 1966, Ep formed Howe Investments and retired from construction management to devote time to a wide variety of interests.

From 1944 onward, Ep's affiliations in which he served as board member and president or chairman, included: Jaycees, American Legion, Rapid City Area Chamber of Commerce, First Presbyterian Church, Downtown Lions YMCA, Greater South Dakota Association, Arrowhead Country Club, Black Hills Eye Institute Foundation and Elks Lodge 1187.

He was the first person to be honored with the Rapid City Area Chamber of Commerce "George Award" in 1981. He was recognized as a problem solver and a catalyst for community progress. Ep was a fore runner of support for our military; he was actively involved in the South Dakota Air National Guard and the US Air Force. He was a member of the military affairs committee of the Rapid City Area Chamber of Commerce which helped strengthen the bond between the military and civilian communities.

Since the 1970's he had been a member of the Defense Orientation Conference Association which includes members from all parts of the country. The Air Force honored him with a special "Ep Howe Day".

In 1969 the Gov appointed him to the State Highway Commission, and he was asked by the Mayor to head the Rapid City Disaster Foundation after the Flood on June 9,1972.

After his retirement he and Grace enjoyed extensive travel, but Rapid City was their favorite place. Grace died July 8,2000. Ep's brother Donald K and sister Evelyn Howe Eby preceded him in death, he was survived by a daughter Mary Beth, Mrs. Charles Johnson, and several grandchildren.

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