Robert “Bobby” Howey, 61, of Brookings, passed away on Nov. 17, 2024, at the Brookings Hospital.
Funeral services for Bobby and his father, Lyle Howey will be held together on Monday, Dec. 2, at 11 a.m. at First Lutheran Church in Brookings, SD. Burial will immediately follow the service at First Lutheran Cemetery in Brookings. A time of fellowship and a meal will follow burial, at the church. Visitation will be held the day prior, Sunday, Dec. 1, 2024, at Eidsness Funeral Home from 12 until 6 p.m.
Robert “Bobby” Howey was born on Oct. 8, 1963, to Lyle Howey Jr. and Barbara (Johnson) Howey. Bobby lived at home with his parents until age 16. He moved to ADVANCE’s congregate housing on Dec. 1, 1982. On Jan. 13, 1993, Bobby moved to the group home located on 905 Fifth St. S. in Brookings and began receiving services via HCBS Adult funding. He lived there for three years and in April of 1996, he moved to the group home at 717 Fifth St. S. In June of 1998, Bobby moved to 221 Mustang Pass. Due to health issues, Bobby moved to the United Retirement Center in 2002. After a year, Bob’s health improved and he was able to return to ADVANCE and live at the 905 group home. In June of 2016, Bob moved into the Franklin house where he lived until his passing.
Bobby was known to be a jokester around ADVANCE. He loved knocking on the walls during overnight shifts and also running down the hall to turn off the lights so that staff couldn’t see him as he ran back to his room. He had an infectious smile, and his kisses and hugs could brighten anyone’s day. Bobby loved music, whether it was oldies or classic rock on the radio, record player, attending a concert, or playing his beloved bongos. He would shimmy and shake along with the music and was the best dance partner you could find.
Bobby is survived by his siblings: Lyle (Dawn) Howey III, of Hartford, SD, Vicki (Richard) Tirrel, of River Falls, WI, Richard (Kay) Howey, of Brookings, SD, and Kristine (Julien) Gambs, of Humboldt, SD; 11 nieces and nephews; and numerous extended family members.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Lyle Howey Jr. and Barbara (Johnson) Howey; and several uncles and aunts.
