HOWSER, Roy Elrod (1881-1931)

HOWSER

Posted By: Karon Velau (email)
Date: 2/1/2023 at 15:30:29

Roy Elrod Howser
(July 9, 1881 – March 31, 1931)

Indianola Record, Indianola, Iowa, Thurs., April 9, 1931, p.3
Roy E. Howser
Roy Elrod Howser was born near Blanchard, Iowa, July 9, 1881. A graduate from the law school of Northwestern University in 1905, he practiced in Chicago, in Colorado, and later in Arkansas. In 1916 as captain of the National Guard, he was called to the Mexican border where he served until the outbreak of the World War. In view of his experience, and feeling it his duty to offer himself to his country, he enlisted. Upon his discharge he was elected head of the legal department of Omaha Loan and Building Association of Omaha, Nebr., which position he held until his death.
Roy was loved by sportsmen – he glorified sport. Upon subjects of outdoor life he was an authority. He held an unusual record with Gun and Skeet Club in Omaha, of which he was a member, thereby having a wide acquaintance. Scores of letters told how much in esteem he was held.
On February 13th he was taken ill, and upon the advice of his physician asked for six weeks’ leave of absence, and went to Hog Springs, Ark., to recuperate. For a time he yielded to the treatment for nephritis, finally going to Memphis, Tenn., with Mrs. Howser to be with his brother, Orr Howser, where he received the tenderest care and attention. For three weeks improvement was steady; cheering letters from his associates in the office brought such keen joy to him as they expressed hope for a speedy return. Suddenly without warning he became rapidly worse. Knowing the fight was against him, he expressed many beautiful sentiments, leaving messages of love and cheer to those he was about to leave. He died March 31, at 6 p.m. On Thursday night he called Mrs. Howser close to him and told her how, sometime during the night he had had a spiritual awakening. He described it as the most beautiful experience he had ever had. Said he, “I have a new spirit – I have had a spiritual birth. I wish I might have gone back home to show everybody how happy I am in this new experience.” Then he quoted John 3:16. From that time his face was like that of an angel. At one time he said, “I have never knowingly wronged anyone, nor have I, at any time, done anything that I thought unworthy of my ideals of righteousness.” Such was the type of life he lived. His business comrades trusted him, not only his fidelity, but his painstaking care in all work in his profession. He loved the Omaha Loan and Building Association for whom he so gladly gave every ounce of strength he possessed. Proud of its achievement, he spoke often lovingly of his responsibility to it, and said, “I cannot fail for they believe in me.” So he died, as he had lived, staunch, true, noble in spirit, and to quote the wire of one devoted friend today, “He was a friend, a noble citizen, a patriot, and a gentleman.” The funeral was held Saturday, April 4, 1931, at the Orr Funeral Home, conducted by the Rev. Arthur Atack.