Clarence ‘Howard’ Counts

Clarence ‘Howard’ Counts, age 93 of Piedmont passed away Sunday, April 16, 2023, at Clark’s Mountain Nursing Center in Piedmont. Howard was born July 8, 1929, in Eminence, MO, to Clarence John Counts and Thelma (Nichols) Counts. Howard was united in marriage to Lila Mae Buckley, December 12, 1958, who preceded him in death on January 21, 2015, and to this union three children were born.  He is survived by one daughter: Leta Woolard and her husband Vaden of Mill Spring; two sons: Kerry Counts and his wife Mary of Allen, TX, and Jerry Counts of O’Fallon, MO; eight grandchildren: Karis Vance, Vaden Shane Woolard, Dake Woolard, Kamille Counts, Rachel Mae Counts, Jared Counts, Howie Counts, Charlie Counts; and three great-grandchildren: Samuel Vance, Lucas Vance and Victoria Lilamae Vance. Howard served his country in the United States Army during the Korean conflict and retired from the Missouri Department of Conservation after thirty-two years of service as a radio technician for seventeen counties in southeast Missouri. He designed and built a passive solar home in 1969, where his family resided. He was a hobby machinist, cabinet maker, and mechanic who used his vast knowledge of how things work to help many of his friends and family throughout the years. Howard will be greatly missed by his family and friends. Visitation was held at 1:00 pm, Saturday, April 22, 2023, at Ruegg Funeral Home, Piedmont Chapel. Funeral service followed at 3:00 pm, also in the Piedmont Chapel. Pastor Mike Green ministered to the family. Special music was provided by Julie Braddum. A piano instrumental was provided by Samuel Vance, Dake Woolard gave a heartfelt eulogy. Kerry Counts, Jerry Counts, Vaden Woolard, Jared Counts, Dake Woolard, and Samuel Vance served as pallbearers. Vaden Shane Woolard served as an honorary pallbearer. Burial was in Peachtree Cemetery, Piedmont. Online condolences can be made at www.rueggfuneralhomes.com