EAST ALTON — Howard Joseph Connoyer, 95, passed away at 1:50 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 26, 2017 at his residence.

Howard was born Oct 13, 1921, in Portage Des Sioux, Missouri, a son of John Baptiste and Clara Augusta (Gust) Connoyer.

As a child, he attended School on Red School House Road in West Alton, MO.

Growing up on the family farm, Howard had many special achievements and recognition's. He built dams to control flood waters while managing the family farm in West Alton, and was a voracious and avid trapper, commercial fisherman and hunter, Howard took pride when Violet, the city girl, accompanied him on a hunt; raising hogs, turkeys, ducks, geese, chickens (family enjoying the fruits of labor of the chickens eggs) horses, and various breeds of hunting dogs. He raised wheat, barley, corn, popcorn, tomatoes and asparagus. It was a very productive farm of which was a labor of love.

Howard was exempt from military service because of being the only son at home to maintain the farm for his parent's survival.

He and the former Violet M. Gust were married on Aug. 30, 1982, in St. Louis, Missouri. Howard and Violet would have celebrated their 35th wedding anniversary, that will now be the day she must say good bye.  Violet retired from the Defense Mapping Agency in South St. Louis, MO., in 1998.

Howard retired from the farm; He and Violet having shared many years in which to enjoy life.

Along with his wife, he is survived by one stepson, Dennis G. Taylor of Alton; two step-grandsons, Clifford Taylor of Missouri, William Taylor of California; one step-granddaughter, Hayley Taylor of Florida.

He was preceded in death by two sisters, Gladys Townsend, Viola Connoyer; three brothers, Cyril, Raymond and Clement Connoyer; one stepson, Bill Steven Taylor.

Visitation will be from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2017 at Gray Funeral Home in Wood River, where services will be at 12 p.m. Wednesday. Rev. Stephen Gray will officiate.

Burial will take place at Upper Alton Cemetery in Alton.