Bill was born Jan. 27, 1977 in Dubuque, Iowa to Ronald Howes and Debra Delorto (Hagensten). He grew up with his siblings Gen. Jason and Tony Howes in Jupiter, Fla. He enlisted in the Navy upon his graduation from high school and served on active duty for 22 years until his death at home on Whidbey Island from Glioblastoma on Aug. 14, 2017.

He is survived by his best friend and loving wife of 20 years, Liz (Ramires) and his beloved children Connelly, Morgan, Samantha and Emmah.

While in the Navy, Bill served as Security Forces, Corpsman, Deep Sea Diver and upon his graduation from UNLV, received his commission as an officer and served almost 10 years as a Registered Nurse, specializing in pediatrics, wound ostomy and hyperbaric medicine. He also earned a masters in Nursing Research Administration.

He loved his children, wife, Whidbey Island, his friends, cooking, grilling and shell fishing. He was a champion for children, women’s rights and the environment. Service was ingrained in how he lived his life and mentored many to do the same. He was deeply loyal, honest and caring. As a nurse he received confirmation of his spiritual beliefs and deeply loved St. Stephen’s Episcopal of Oak Harbor for supporting those beliefs.

Military honors will be held at 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 7 at Sunnyside Cemetery, 90 Cemetery Road, Coupeville, followed by a celebration of his life at 1 p.m. at St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church, 555 SE Regatta Drive, Oak Harbor.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church (outreach) or Navy Relief.