Willie Joe Howery was born on August 23, 1975, in Omaha, Nebraska to Charlotte (Simpson) Murphy and Earl Howery and passed away on August 3, 2025, in Evans, Colorado at the age of 49 years, 11 months and 11 days.

Willie grew up and attended school in Omaha. In 1990 his family moved to Hartington, Nebraska where he played junior high football. Willie loved visiting Ponca State Park where he would fish, camp and ride horseback. He enjoyed music of all kinds and was an avid reader. Willie loved spending time with family, in particular his younger sister, Tammy, and his cousins.

Willie was baptized as a teen and developed a strong faith in the Lord. He took special interest in elderly people and enjoyed spending time with them and helping them. He was blessed to become a father with the birth of his son, Jacob Ryan Williams on April 5, 2001.

Willie was the first grandson and great-grandson on the Simpson side of his family. He was preceded in death by his grandparents, uncles and one cousin.

Survivors cherishing his memory include his mother, Charlotte R. Murphy; father and stepmother, Earl and Barb Howery; sister, Tammy L. Howery; son, Jacob R. Williams; special friend, Shawna Williams; numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.