Matthew “Cotton” Howard of Dahinda, IL, passed away peacefully on Friday, August 4, 2023, at the age of 89. Cotton was born on his family’s farm in Whitesville, KY and was one of 14 siblings born to George and Beulah Mayfield Howard.
Along with his parents and 11 of his siblings, he was also preceded in death by his sons, Bobby Howard and Larry Howard.
Cotton is survived by his wife of 37 years, Ramona LaRose Howard; son Doug and his
wife, Sandy; daughter Darlene and her husband, Brian; and son Bruce and his wife, Becky. He is survived by his 7 grandchildren: Sheriden Johnson, Barrett (Alison) Howard, Brittney (Scott) Schwertly, Bailee Howard, Blake Howard, Michael (Shannon) Reynolds and Bradley Walker; and 9 great grandchildren. He is also survived by his sister, Barbara Howard Fischer, brother, Randy “Frog” (Dottye) Howard, and many nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews.
Cotton’s early adulthood occupation was as a farmer. He later became a carpenter by trade and a gifted craftsman. He took value in his work along with the relationships he built with others. Prior to his health declining, he loved being outdoors and enjoyed fishing, hunting, and traveling out west.
Funeral service & celebration of life will be at 6:00 pm Wednesday, August 9, 2023 at Cecil Funeral Home. Visitation will be held from 2 to 6 pm, on Wednesday, August 9, 2023, at Cecil Funeral Home in Whitesville, KY. His grandson, Pastor Barrett Howard, will officiate the service. Burial will follow at a later date in Oak Lawn Memorial Gardens, Galesburg, IL.