Howard Neil Lee

Howard Neil Lee, 81, returned to his Heavenly Father, Friday, April 11, 2025, surrounded by his loving family.

Howard was born on September 12, 1943 in Winslow, Arizona to Arlo Lee and Katy Gibbons Lee. He grew up in the close-knit community of St. Johns, Arizona, where he developed his lifelong values of faith, hard work and service to others. As a young man, Howard excelled in athletics, lettering in football and basketball at St Johns High School and went on to play basketball at Arizona State University on a full scholarship.

After serving a two-year mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the British Mission, Howard met the love of his life, Jacqueline Ethington at a university dance. They were sealed for time and all eternity in the Mesa Arizona Temple on December 22, 1966.

Howard went on to graduate from the Northwestern University School of Dentistry in 1970. He and Jackie returned to Arizona and eventually made it back to St Johns where he served the community he loved for over 40 years until his retirement in 2017.

He was no respecter of persons and treated all alike; going out of his way to seek out and befriend the friendless. He hated being called “doctor” outside his dental office.

A devoted member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Howard served faithfully in every capacity in which he was called.

Howard’s passion for athletics continued throughout his life. He played basketball and tennis, ran half marathons, remained an avid golfer into his late 70's and loved to help others improve their skills.

Above all, Howard cherished his family. He is survived by his eternal companion of 58 years, Jackie, their six children, Michael (Julia) Lee, Deborah (Lance) Johnson, Stephen (Misti) Lee, Rebecca (Brandt) Adams, Mary (Matt) Maroon, Kristie (Brenon) Farmer, 27 grandchildren, 7 great-grandchildren with one on the way, siblings, Vinson (Linda) Lee, Cheryl (John) Smith, Fran (Richard) Brower, John (Daryl) Lee and sister-in-law, Annette Lee. He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Larry Lee.

Howard will be remembered for his unwavering testimony of the gospel of Jesus Christ, his compassionate service to others, his infectious laugh and his great joy in his posterity; which he described as “glorious.” His favorite saying was, “Take it like a man!”

Funeral services will be held Saturday, April 19, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, St. Johns Stake Center, 2000 W Cleveland St. Interment will follow the services at the St Johns Westside Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers the family suggests donations to the General Humanitarian Fund of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day

https://philanthropies.churchofjesuschrist.org/humanitarian-services.