Howard Rees, son of L.J. and Emma Keenan Rees, was born at Lincoln, Kan., Aug 17, 1880. He was the sixth of eight children in the family.
He was educated in the schools of this city and later spent one year taking special work at the Sweeney Automotive school in Kansas City.
Most of his life was lived in this community where he was active for many years as one of the operators of the Rees Brothers Mill.
As a young man, Mr. Rees drew a claim in the government land drawing at the opening of a strip in South Dakota and he spent two years homesteading his land near Dallas. He returned to Kansas and later for a time worked in Denver where he was head miller in a large milling establishment.
Besides the mill in Lincoln, his business enterprise here included at the time the picture show which he operated in partnership with John Sherman. Twelve years ago he established Modern Bakery.
July 6, 1916 he was united in marriage to Miss Beatrice Choate of Lincoln. To this union three children were born, one son, and two daughters.
Two years ago, after the Lincoln mill burned, Mr. Rees went to Salina where he secured a position with the Wyatt Manufacturing company plant, making his home in Salina for the remainder of his life. He passed away Sunday, Sept. 17, 1944.
Left to mourn their loss (are) his wife and children: Technician fouth grade Lafe H. Rees, somewhere in France with the army ground forces; Mrs. Ruth Minor of Lincoln; Mrs. Lucille Blair of Salina. Other nearest relatives are his daughter by a former marriage, Mrs. Bonnie Jenkins of Los Angeles; one sister, Mrs. Beulah Moulton, Siloam Springs; one brother, M.J. Rees of Lincoln; three granddaughters, nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, one brother, Elias Rees, and four sisters, Mabel and June who died in childhood; Mrs. Leota Brann and Mrs. Bessie Rank.
Generous, ever willing to lend a helping hand wherever possible, Mr. Rees will be affectionately remembered by all who knew him. His home was his castle, his wife, children and grandchildren were the precious jewels.
Funeral services were held Wednesday, Sept. 20 from the Lincoln Presbyterian Church. Interment was made in the Rees Family lot at Lincoln Cemetery.