Howard E. Cantrell, age 90, of rural Xenia, passed away at his home on March 15, 2018.

   Howard was born on March 4, 1928, to Burl R. and Mae (Renner) Cantrell of rural Xenia, Illinois. He attended Walnut Branch and Hickory Flat schools prior to attending Xenia High School for three years. He then graduated from Flora High School in 1948.

   Howard was a Korean War Veteran, serving as an Army artillery gunner. Upon his return from Korea, he married his high school sweetheart, Frances Ellen Goff, on April 20, 1952. After their marriage, they lived in Tomah, Wisconsin while Howard completed his service. After his discharge they returned to the Xenia area where they purchased 80 acres and began a livelihood of farming. Howard retired from farming in 1993 and was later elected to two terms as road commissioner for Garden Hill Township. Howard attended Powers General Baptist Church; he was known as someone always willing to help a neighbor in need.

   Howard is survived by his wife of 65 years, Frances, and their four children: Rhonda (Mike) Sanders of San Jose, California, Kala (Larry) Badger of Taylors, South Carolina, Brenda (Greg) Jones of Pasadena, California, and Kevin (Kim) Cantrell of Salem. Howard is also survived by grandchildren Eric Sanders, Michelle Sanders, Scott Sanders, Mark Sanders, Nicole Sanders, Zach (Hannah) Badger, Luke Badger, Miranda (Eric) Dennis, Kory (Katherine) Cantrell and Jesse (Carissa) Cantrell; and 7 great grandchildren. Five nieces, two nephews, and one sister-in-law also survive. Howard was preceded in death by his parents, his brother, three brothers-in-law, four sisters-in-law, and a nephew.

   A funeral service will be 1 p.m. Monday, March 19, 2018, at Frank & Bright Funeral Home in Flora.  Visitation will be held 5-7 p.m. Sunday evening and from 12:30 pm until the hour of service on Monday at the funeral home.  Private interment will be in Powers Cemetery, Xenia.  In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Kory Cantrell Leukemia Treatment Fund at www.youcaring.com.