Howard Keith Rew

Howard Keith Rew, 76, passed away peacefully on June 20, 2020 with family members by his side. A visitation will be held on Saturday, June 27, from 9-10am, with a livestreamed funeral service following at 10am, both at Speaks Suburban Chapel, 18020 E. 39th St. in Independence. He will be laid to rest in Mount Olivet Cemetery.

In his honor, contributions are suggested to the American Cancer Society or to the Arthritis Foundation.

Howard was born on April 21, 1944 in Leon, Iowa, the son of Clarence Rew and Opal (Elston) Rew. He and his family moved to the Kansas City area when he was just a young boy. He graduated from Northeast High School in the class of 1962, and married his high school sweetheart, Marilyn Diane Neptune, on January 25, 1963. To this union were born a son, Allen, and a daughter, Alice.

Howard began working as a carpet layer and floor installer. He spent most of his career as a produce department manager, first with A&P and then for Cosentino’s.

Howard enjoyed sports throughout his life. In his early life, he was a baseball coach for little league teams. He and Marilyn were avid bowlers. Later in life, he loved to play golf - he and his brother Ray were members of the Adams Pointe Golf Club where they played three to four mornings per week. In the evenings, Howard and his sister Donna loved to reminisce over coffee together. He cherished the memories made with his wife during their stay at the Villages in Florida. He was a man of faith, and he was a hardworking, loyal, likeable man who will be missed by so many.

Howard is survived by his son Allen (wife Vicki) Rew; grandchildren Jessica Keith, Steven Klenklen, Alex Rew, and Jacqueline Brewer; great-grandchildren Chase, Ryder, Jackson, Tucker, Beckham, and Lakelyn; and siblings Ray Rew and Donna Carpenter.

He was preceded in death by his wife of over 49 years, Marilyn, in 2012; daughter Alice Klenklen in 2011; father Clarence Rew in 1993; mother Opal Rew in 2008; brother Philip Rew in 1994; and sister Beverly June Rew in 1936.

Online condolences may be left at www.speakschapel.com (Arrangements: Speaks Suburban Chapel 816-373-3600)