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[Page S1475]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
REMEMBERING HAROLD HOWARD ``SONNY'' HOWELL II
Mr. MANCHIN. Mr. President, I rise today to honor a proud West
Virginian, a dedicated public servant, a beloved husband, father,
grandfather, and a dear friend to all who had the pleasure of knowing
him. It is a privilege to recognize the life and legacy of Mayor Harold
Howard ``Sonny'' Howell II for his many years of dedicated service to
the city of Madison, Boone County, and to our entire home State.
Gayle and I are heartbroken to learn of the passing of our dear
friend Sonny. My uncle, the late A. James Manchin, and Sonny were the
closest of friends. I first met Sonny in the 1970s and he remained an
absolute unconditional, lifelong friend. I have met many unique people
throughout the years, but nobody compared to Sonny. He was a true
example of what it means to be a public servant, having served in the
U.S. Army, as justice of the peace, Boone County Circuit clerk, and for
many years as mayor of Madison.
Born and raised in Madison, Sonny was a member of the Madison United
Methodist Church for more than 80 years. He was a 1956 graduate of
Scott High School, and he attended West Virginia Wesleyan College,
Morris Harvey College, and West Virginia State College. He was a member
of the Masonic O'Dell Lodge, Beni Kedem Shrine, Royal Order of the
Jesters, Madison Rotary Club, Paul Harris Fellow for Rotary
International, Member of the Municipal League, and a recipient of the
35th Star from my uncle A. James Manchin. He and his wife Onia have
been the owners of Howell Rental, a family business started by Sonny's
father in 1940.
There is a lot to be said of someone who bravely serves our Nation,
then returns home to continue giving back to the community that made
them who they are. When visitors come to West Virginia, I jump at the
chance to tell them we have fought in more wars, shed more blood, and
lost more lives for the cause of freedom than most any State. We have
always done the heavy lifting and never complained. We have mined the
coal and forged the steel that built the guns, ships, and factories
that have protected and continue to protect our country to this day. I
am so deeply proud of what West Virginians have accomplished and what
they will continue to accomplish to protect the freedoms we hold dear.
That is Sonny's legacy, and his courage, loyalty, and humility will
never be forgotten.
Put simply, Sonny represented the very best of West Virginia, which
is saying quite a lot. In the Mountain State, if you are hungry, you
will be fed. If you are lost, someone will not only give you directions
but will offer to drive you to your destination. That is just who we
are, and that is who Sonny was. We have lost a shining star in Boone
County, but his impact, vision, and his passion for this special
community will last forever. It was an honor to have known him and to
call him my friend. He never met a stranger and always had time to
share a story.
What is most important is that Sonny lived a full life, surrounded by
dear friends and family. It is my hope that his loved ones are able to
find peace, strength, and support in one another. I extend my
condolences to his wife of 59 years, Onia, his son Kip, his daughter-
in-law Deanna, his grandchildren Harry and Meredith, sister-in-law
Marilyn, brother-in-law Mike, and a host of nieces and nephews, who
lovingly referred to him as Uncle Son. Again, I extend to you my most
sincere condolences for our loss of this wonderful person. The
unwavering love Sonny had for his family, friends, community, and our
home State will live on forever in the hearts of all who knew
him.
____________________
