Obituary: Noble Howze

Noble Howze was born in Marlow, Okla., on March 31, 1933. He moved to Shafter in 1941. He attended Rio Bravo School and Shafter High School.

At a young age, Noble understood that hard work was essential in providing for his family. At 17 years old, he was a ginner for W.B. Camp Gin Co.

In 1951, he met his wife, Armis Freeborn, and they married in 1952. They had four children, who were taught to work hard. His wife and their children helped him with his business ventures. Noble was a third-generation farmer raising many commodities. In his early years, he had a custom harvesting business, he sold farm equipment to Mexico, he formed Superior Auction Co., Inc., selling farm equipment, and he drilled water wells, establishing Superior Mutual Water Co., Inc.

Most recently, he developed an industrial complex by his home located near Shafter.

Noble believed in spending time with his family. He and his family traveled all over the United States. He especially loved to travel in Mexico, the Bahamas and Alaska.

Noble went to sleep in death on May 14, 2019, just short of being married for 67 years. Noble is preceded in death by his parents, William and Foncine Howze; brothers Maurice, Weldon, Burl and Billy Joe Howze; and sister Geraldine Howze.

He is survived by his wife; four children, Deborah Cole, Michael Howze, Waymon (Christie) Howze and Phillip Howze; 11 grandchildren, 15 great grandchildren, three great great grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. He is also survived by his sister Barbara Ann Iorio (Bob); his brothers David Howze (Patricia) and Gerald Howze; and his sister-in-law Linda Howze.

The family would like to extend their thanks and gratitude to Hoffman Hospice nurses and assistants Michelle, Kimberly, Leah and Jasmin for their pain-free care, and Baljeet at Around the Clock Care for her night care assistance. Thank you to the many friends and family members for their comforting visits and support. Noble had scores of friends that he grew up with in the Shafter area.

Also, we wish to thank Mission Family Mortuary in Bakersfield for their assistance.

Noble counted it a real privilege to serve his God, Jehovah, over 73 years. His last thoughts and expressions were his faith in Jehovah God's promise of a resurrection to have everlasting life on a paradise earth. (Psalm 37:29)

A graveside service will be held at the Shafter Memorial Park, 18662 Santa Fe Way, Shafter, at 10 a.m. on Friday, May 17, 2019.