of Little Rock, AR
November 17, 1939 - June 6, 2022
Markham Howe was one of those rare individuals who could truly say he enjoyed a lifetime of giving to benefit others, through his professional careers, civic and community involvement, and military service to his country.
Howe died Monday, June 6, in Little Rock, following a brief illness. Known by many Arkansans because of his work in the power industry, education, advertising, marketing and public relations. Howe's counsel and service have touched countless lives.
Born in Memphis in 1939, he was raised at LaGrange (Lee County). Howe entered Arkansas State University (then College), where he met his wife-to-be, Gayle, as both performed in the marching band. After earning a degree in agriculture in 1961, he began a 33-year career with Entergy-Arkansas (then AP&L), representing the company in marketing, community relations, human resource and power production positions and the last two decades as manager of public relations. His work for AP&L included writing the first Arkansas Nuclear One crisis communications plan, which became an industry model. Later, he wrote and implemented the public relations plan that resulted in a successful siting of the Independence Steam Electric Station at Newark.
Howe was associated with his alma mater in several capacities over the years, beginning as a guest lecturer and adviser to the campus chapter of the Public Relations Student Society of America in 1982. He was an instructor in journalism and public relations from 1994-97 before associating with Mangan Holcomb and Partners as senior public relations counsel for a broad range of clients, then returned to A-State in a fulltime capacity in 2002.
Director of University Relations until 2008, he became executive director in 2009. He was responsible for marketing, public relations, advertising, media relations, internal/external communications and strategic communications planning for the University. Until retirement in 2010, he often represented the University at public events, promoting the University's growth and contributions to the broad region it serves.
Howe served his country in the military and continued his education at the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College and National Defense University. He retired as a colonel, with 38 years in the Army National Guard and U.S. Army Reserves.
His service to Arkansas State includes the board of directors of the A-State Alumni Association and president-elect and co-founder of the Friends of the College of Communications, 1998-2002. He was a member of the Advisory Council to the Department of Journalism and Printing, and recipient of the Friend of the College of Communications award.
An active member of the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA), he was awarded the Crystal Award in 2008 for lifetime achievement in the profession. A longtime member of the Arkansas Chapter of PRSA, he earned national accreditation, served on the chapter board, and was recipient of more than 20 Prism awards.
Along with his vast experience in public relations, Howe's community involvement included the boards of several non-profit organizations, including Youth Home of Arkansas, March of Dimes-Arkansas chapter, Junior Achievement of Arkansas, Retired and Senior Volunteers Program, Military Officers Association of America, United Way, Special Olympics and many others. He also was president of the Arkansas Choral Society, and a member of St. James United Methodist Church.
Howe served as the 1991-92 president of Civitan International, a civic club organization with approximately 45,000 members in 30 countries. Joining the Little Rock Civitan Club in 1971, he served as club president two times, and was the governor of the Ozark district in 1984-85 and then served on the Civitan International Board of Directors from 1985 to 1987, representing districts in Arkansas, Louisiana, Texas, Oklahoma and Kansas.
Afterward he continued to support the organization in many capacities, including service as a Civitan International Foundation Fellow and a Research Center Fellow, membership on several committees, and a leadership trainer for club presidents and presidents-elect throughout the U.S.
Markham and Gayle were inducted into the Legacy Society at Arkansas State because of their planned endowment gift in appreciation and recognition of the preparation A-State gave them for their respective careers in communication and music.
Howe was preceded in death by his parents, Benjamin Henry and Clarice Laurene Markham Howe and his stepmother, Mary Danehower Howe.
Survivors include his wife, Gayle; daughter, Lisa Howe-Holbert (Mark); sons, Mark Howe and Michael Howe (Audrey), all of Little Rock; brother, Pat Howe of Searcy; sister, Mary Nell Sparks of Shell Knob, Mo.; grandson, Maddox Holbert and granddaughter, Riley Holbert.
A memorial service to celebrate Markham Howe's life will be 2 p.m. Wednesday, June 15, 2022 at Roller-Chenal Funeral Home, visitation will follow in the Garden Room. In lieu of flowers, friends may consider memorial gifts to Arkansas State University Foundation, Inc., Special Olympics of Arkansas or CARTI Cancer Center.
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42 Condolence(s)
Jerome(Romeo) Jenkins
Tuesday, June 28, 2022
I remember him for Arkansas State, National Guard,AP&L. He was a very nice guy and always did his job well.
Connie Gibson
Saturday, June 18, 2022
Gayle and family,
I am so sorry to hear of Markham's passing. You all were so kind and loving to me from the first night I visited Fred Astaire Dance Studio. I enjoyed all our times together. You all were so positive and encouraging to me. I am looking forward to my first dance with Markham in heaven.
Brenda Scisson
Thursday, June 16, 2022
Markham was a friend, both professionally and personally, for over four decades. He had a huge servant’s heart — always helping others. He had a multitude of talents, and all were wrapped with his kindness and thoughtfulness. I am going to miss our visits at St. James and at Public Relations Society meetings. Condolences to Gayle and the family. Heaven has gained a good, good man.
Brenda Scisson
Wednesday, June 15, 2022
Markham was a friend, both professionally and personally, for over four decades. He had a huge servant’s heart — always helping others. He had a multitude of talents, and all were wrapped with his kindness and thoughtfulness. I am going to miss our visits at St. James and at Public Relations Society meetings. Condolences to Gayle and the family. Heaven has gained a good, good man.
Randy Perdue
Tuesday, June 14, 2022
In my association with Markham, he was always articulate, knowledgeable, and nice. He was truly a good man.
Fred and Carolyn Johnson
Tuesday, June 14, 2022
Markham and I worked together at Arkansas Power and Light Company, He was a man of character and integrity. Carolyn and I send our sympathy and prayers to the family and the many close friends who had the privilege of knowing Markham..
Lisa Ammerman
Monday, June 13, 2022
We are so sorry to hear of Markham's passing. Markham and Gayle have been true lifelong friends to my parents. They have supported them and my family with their prayers and their presence. They have been a tremendous blessing to my parents (Bob and Peggy Wood) and to my sister and I through the years. Markham and my dad were Lambda Chi's together at ASU. Markham will truly be missed by all who knew him. Prayers for Gayle and their family. Blessings and Prayers, Lisa (Wood) Ammerman and Jill (Wood) Morris and families
Glenda McEuen
Monday, June 13, 2022
Gayle, I'm so glad I got to know you and Markham through the ASU community choir. I will pray for peace for you and strength as you adjust.
Patricia Hillis
Monday, June 13, 2022
Markham was my neighbor for many years and I knew him as a kind, caring person. Always ready with a wave and at Christmastime, without fail, would deliver with a smile and good cheer, a warm and delicious Kentucky Derby pie that Gayle had baked. What a productive and self giving life he lived to the fullest!
David & Janet Dodge
Monday, June 13, 2022
Janet and I would like to extend our deepest sympathies to Gayle and the family. We know that this loss to your family is immeasurable to ours. As for those who still remain, we have all lost a valuable friend who blessed us yesterday, today and beyond.
Debbie Juhlke & Family
Sunday, June 12, 2022
Markham was such a great influence in my life. I served as one of his governors in Civitan and as Civitan International President I often sought his advice because I knew that I could always rely on his honesty, integrity and primarily his kindness and genuine compassion to provide profound guidance in all aspects of life. I will carry so many wonderful memories with me of him forever, such as when he had dinner with my family at Fort Hood when he was there. My visiting in your home when I severed as Civitan’s Regional Director.
My family was truly blessed to have had him in our lives and I learned a lot from him.
My prayers for you Gayle and your family are that you find peace and comfort in knowing that his love will remain with you always.
Laura Smith-Olinde
Sunday, June 12, 2022
Jay Clark
Sunday, June 12, 2022
I knew Markham through our fraternity, Lambda Chi Alpha, at Arkansas State. He was always kind and helpful. He will be missed, but his legacy will carry on. My prayers are with Gayle and his family.
Harry Truman Moore
Sunday, June 12, 2022
Markham served so many people in so many different ways. I knew him first as one of the founding members of Lambda Chi Alpha fraternity at Arkansas State University. He was someone who grew up in the state, understood the people who lived here, and he used that knowledge throughout his various careers. He was a great ambassador for Arkansas as national president of Civitan International. He was proud of being a member of the ASU (then ASC) marching band when it performed in the inaugural parade of President Kennedy. It was good to have the chance to spend some extra time with him when he closed out his career by returning to ASU to serve full time as executive director of university relations. Linda Lou and I send our condolences to Gayle and his children.
Lesley Howe
Saturday, June 11, 2022
We will miss you Uncle Markham! I always loved your kindness and your sense of humor.
Robert and Susan Dunn
Saturday, June 11, 2022
We are so sorry to learn of Markham’s passing. What a kind soul he was. Always so supportive of and encouraging to Robert. Prayers for comfort to Gayle and family.
Drs. Jimmie and Carrie Valentine
Saturday, June 11, 2022
We had the honor and privilege of knowing Markham and Gayle for over 30 years and count them as dear friends. Markham was like part of our family when he regularly delivered "care packages" to our son Randall while he was a student at Arkansas State, since Markham was commuting back and forth to Jonesboro at that time. Over and above our friendship, Markham was a Man of God. Carrie and I taught the Cornerstone Class at St. James United Methodist Church for 15 years prior to our retirement and moving to the Mississippi Gulf Coast. We could always count on Markham to teach the class for us when we needed to be away. He always came to class with his "Super Bible" a large reference Bible with commentary on almost every verse we discussed. His familiar mantra was, "let's see what the Super Bible says." We will sorely miss Markham, and all the wonderful times we had visiting with him and Gayle. Heaven has a new resident who will not need his Super Bible there, for as he and us saw dimly here on earth he now sees with a knowledge imparted by our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Joel Gambill
Saturday, June 11, 2022
Markham was a dear friend who helped our department and college immensely. He drove from Little Rock to Jonesboro twice weekly for us. He saved our PR program and we are indebted to him. I wish to offer Gayle and his family condolences for sharing him with us.
Susan Antonetti
Saturday, June 11, 2022
I so appreciated Markham and Gayle’s friendship and support during my membership at St. James. They were so complimentary of my performances, both in church and at UALR. Most importantly, great people. We are devastated to hear of his passing. Love and prayers to Gayle and family. Markham was so accomplished and always a gentleman.
Nancy Miller
Saturday, June 11, 2022
Our thoughts and prayers are with Gayle and the family. We have so many wonderful memories of our friendship. Markham was truly a great man and will be missed by so many.
Anita C. James
Saturday, June 11, 2022
Markham was a friend of many years. Although we met through Civitan, we talked about training and communication because of some shared background, and I was often the wiser for those conversations. His generosity of spirit and sharp intelligence will be missed.
Gayle and family, I’m saddened by your loss. May your faith help you find solace in your grief.
Edward Baum
Saturday, June 11, 2022
My friendship with Markham stems from his involvement in Civitan International. When he was president (in 1991-1992)I was one of his state governors. He was a very generous man -- generous of his time and his knowledge. I asked him to be my installing officer when, fourteen years later, I became Civitan president. I shall miss him and his counsel.
Lisa Moskal
Saturday, June 11, 2022
Markham was a true gem…always smiling and eager to lend a helping hand. My thoughts and prayers go out to Gayle and his family. He will truly be missed.
Gil caver
Saturday, June 11, 2022
Kind gentleman.in my thoughts and prayers
Jeanne Davison
Saturday, June 11, 2022
Gayle, so sorry for your loss. "Our President" will be truly missed
Bob Davis
Saturday, June 11, 2022
My neighbor for 31 years. What a Guy!
Carl J. Martinous III
Saturday, June 11, 2022
Thank you for being a mentor and an example of type of person I aspire to be. You will be truly missed but Heaven got a good one.
Edward L Green
Saturday, June 11, 2022
I had the good fortune of working with Markham at Entergy. He was an amazing down to earth person. My condolences to the family on your loss.
Ruth Williams Whichard
Saturday, June 11, 2022
Mr Howe was the nicest gentleman ever met. A very rare gift to all who had the honor of knowing him. He was truly a selfless human being in every way. He was so commuted to civic duty.
It was my honor to know him when he was President of a local Civitan club while a member before I transferred to international membership while traveling.
He will be missed by many.
Ruth Williams Whichard
Saturday, June 11, 2022
Mr Howe was the nicest gentleman ever met. A very rare gift to all who had the honor of knowing him. He was truly a selfless human being in every way. He was so commuted to civic duty.
It was my honor to know him when he was President of a local Civitan club while a member before I transferred to international membership while traveling.
He will be missed by many.
Scott Schuh
Saturday, June 11, 2022
My business worked with Markham in several of his past PR roles. He was always a fair and kind person who clearly knew the objectives he wished to accomplish. Condolences to his family and many friends.
Martha Jean McHaney
Saturday, June 11, 2022
I will so miss Markham’s friendship. What a fulfilling, giving life he led. Deepest sympathies to Gayle and their children.
Richard McCann
Saturday, June 11, 2022
Markham was a true servant to his fellow men, a good friend and brother. I recall him driving me to the doctor and hospital and sticking around when I needed an emergency appendectomy in college. He will be greatly missed. Condolences to all the family.
Mike Meroney
Saturday, June 11, 2022
Markham was a good friend and mentor for nearly 30 years. He will be sorely missed.
Harold Connell
Friday, June 10, 2022
Gayle and family,
I am sorry that I will be unable to attend the services, but I will be with you in spirt.
Markham and I first became acquainted when we were district governors in 1984-85.
He will be missed by all.
Harold Connell
Mary Wood
Friday, June 10, 2022
I had the good fortune to work with Markham on several occasions at Entergy. He was truly a smart and kind gentleman.
Patricia Perkal
Friday, June 10, 2022
Markham was a very kind and gracious man. I am honored to have known Markham and all he has done for Civitan. He will be missed. May you rest in the Loving Hands of our Lord.
Bo Plyler
Friday, June 10, 2022
A great man to be greatly missed. Prayers for peace and comfort.
Mike Russ
Friday, June 10, 2022
Worked with Markham early in my career in Little Rock. I remember he kept a tooth brush and tooth paste in his desk. He would brush his teeth every afternoon after lunch. A very good guy.
Joe Whalen
Friday, June 10, 2022
I worked with Markham at what was then AP&L. You couldn't ask for a nicer person. He will be missed.
My condolences to the family in your loss.
Rita Blackwood
Friday, June 10, 2022
Markham has been a dedicated Civitan and mentor to many, including me. He will sure be missed.
Rita Medlock
Friday, June 10, 2022
Markham was just one of those people of which the world needs more. He was genuine, caring, compassionate, smart, energetic & made you feel like together you could accomplish things others couldn’t. Gone too soon. You will be truly missed, Markham.