Jeffrey Lawrence Howe of Fairbanks, Alaska, died peacefully on September 23, 2026, according to an obituary published by Chapel of Chimes, Legacy Funeral Homes in Fairbanks. He was 70 years old.
Howe was born on August 26, 1956, in St. Louis, Missouri, to James Wilburn Howe and Kathryn Dalton Howe. He later built a life centered around his family, faith, service, education and his involvement with young athletes.
He is survived by his wife, Brenda Howe, whom the obituary describes as his high school sweetheart, best friend and biggest supporter. His surviving family also includes his brother Timothy Howe and wife Pat Allin, daughters Heather Cress and Tiffany Howe, son Jacob Howe, and daughter in law Rachel Howe.
Howe was also a grandfather to six grandchildren: Jeremiah Howe and his fiancée Olivia Berg, Halee Howe, Elizabeth Talburt and her husband Dillon Talburt, Kathryn Howe, David Cress and Olivia Cress.
A Life of Military Service, Faith and Teaching
Howe retired from the United States Air Force after 19 years of service. During his life, he also worked in several fields and remained active in his community.
According to his obituary, Howe was an ordained pastor, worship leader, safety manager and adjunct instructor for the University of Alaska Fairbanks Community and Technical College. He also coached numerous athletes through high school football and track and field programs.
His commitment to education continued throughout his career. He earned a Master of Science in Occupational Safety and Health from Columbia Southern University in 2015. In 2024, he received a Doctor of Christian Leadership from the School of Great Commission Theological Seminary.
Family members and friends remembered Howe for his encouragement, kindness and strong faith. The obituary described him as someone who enjoyed sharing his faith with others and bringing light and joy to the people around him.
Family Remembers His Music and Love of Alaska
Outside of his professional and religious work, Howe enjoyed singing, fishing, hunting, woodworking, golfing and participating in the Alaska Senior Games. He also spent time working on his Mustang and playing with his dogs.
Messages shared in his guest book reflected the impact he had on people throughout his life. Friends recalled his musical abilities, including his singing and trumpet playing, as well as his welcoming personality.
One friend remembered Howe from his Air Force years and recalled hearing his voice during an event at Eielson. Another remembered performing music with him at First Baptist Church of North Pole, noting his ability to play many different pieces on the trumpet.
A celebration of life for Howe is scheduled for October 5 at 4 p.m. at True North Church on College Road in Fairbanks.
The family has requested that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the American Heart Association.
Howe will be remembered by his family, friends, former colleagues, fellow church members and the many athletes he coached throughout his life.
