Howard E. Milnes, 86, of Neponset, passed away on Thursday, January 9, 2025, at Allure of Geneseo. Howard was born November 30, 1938, in Neponset, the son of Pete Standel and Ellen Dorothy (Girven) Milnes. He attended and graduated from Neponset High School with the class of 1957. Howard married Carolyn Gruszeczka on July 20, 1965, in Kewanee; she survives.

Howard is also survived by three children, Jeff (Gypsie Bowyer) Milnes, Kewanee, Mitch (Sandy) Milnes, Tampico, Tami (Brian Habel) Pyle, Rock Island; nine grandchildren; sixteen great grandchildren; brother, Robert Milnes, Kewanee. He was preceded in death by his parents; son, Todd Milnes; and a sister-in-law, Carole Milnes.

Howard served in the National Guard and later the United States Army from 1961 to 1963. He worked for International Harvester/Case IH; retiring in 1986. He previously worked for CB&Q Railroad. For over four decades, his happiest moments were spent camping at Sunset Lakes in Joslin. He also enjoyed snowmobiling, coon hunting, playing cards and golf cart rides. Howard had a love for animals; which was evident in his raising and breeding rabbits and dogs.

Visitation will be from 4:30 – 6:00 pm, Thursday, January 16, 2025, at Bunker Hill Church, Buda. Memorial services will be at 6:00 pm, at the church. Pastor Richard Morris will officiate. A private burial will be in Floral Hill Cemetery at a later date. Memorials may be made to Bunker Hill Church. Please leave an online condolence for Howard’s family at www.golnickschuenemanfh.com