[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 43 (Wednesday, March 4, 2020)]
[Senate]
[Page S1475]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             REMEMBERING HAROLD HOWARD ``SONNY'' HOWELL II

 Mr. MANCHIN. Mr. President, I rise today to honor a proud West 
Virginian, a dedicated public servant, a beloved husband, father, 
grandfather, and a dear friend to all who had the pleasure of knowing 
him. It is a privilege to recognize the life and legacy of Mayor Harold 
Howard ``Sonny'' Howell II for his many years of dedicated service to 
the city of Madison, Boone County, and to our entire home State.
  Gayle and I are heartbroken to learn of the passing of our dear 
friend Sonny. My uncle, the late A. James Manchin, and Sonny were the 
closest of friends. I first met Sonny in the 1970s and he remained an 
absolute unconditional, lifelong friend. I have met many unique people 
throughout the years, but nobody compared to Sonny. He was a true 
example of what it means to be a public servant, having served in the 
U.S. Army, as justice of the peace, Boone County Circuit clerk, and for 
many years as mayor of Madison.
  Born and raised in Madison, Sonny was a member of the Madison United 
Methodist Church for more than 80 years. He was a 1956 graduate of 
Scott High School, and he attended West Virginia Wesleyan College, 
Morris Harvey College, and West Virginia State College. He was a member 
of the Masonic O'Dell Lodge, Beni Kedem Shrine, Royal Order of the 
Jesters, Madison Rotary Club, Paul Harris Fellow for Rotary 
International, Member of the Municipal League, and a recipient of the 
35th Star from my uncle A. James Manchin. He and his wife Onia have 
been the owners of Howell Rental, a family business started by Sonny's 
father in 1940.
  There is a lot to be said of someone who bravely serves our Nation, 
then returns home to continue giving back to the community that made 
them who they are. When visitors come to West Virginia, I jump at the 
chance to tell them we have fought in more wars, shed more blood, and 
lost more lives for the cause of freedom than most any State. We have 
always done the heavy lifting and never complained. We have mined the 
coal and forged the steel that built the guns, ships, and factories 
that have protected and continue to protect our country to this day. I 
am so deeply proud of what West Virginians have accomplished and what 
they will continue to accomplish to protect the freedoms we hold dear. 
That is Sonny's legacy, and his courage, loyalty, and humility will 
never be forgotten.
  Put simply, Sonny represented the very best of West Virginia, which 
is saying quite a lot. In the Mountain State, if you are hungry, you 
will be fed. If you are lost, someone will not only give you directions 
but will offer to drive you to your destination. That is just who we 
are, and that is who Sonny was. We have lost a shining star in Boone 
County, but his impact, vision, and his passion for this special 
community will last forever. It was an honor to have known him and to 
call him my friend. He never met a stranger and always had time to 
share a story.
  What is most important is that Sonny lived a full life, surrounded by 
dear friends and family. It is my hope that his loved ones are able to 
find peace, strength, and support in one another. I extend my 
condolences to his wife of 59 years, Onia, his son Kip, his daughter-
in-law Deanna, his grandchildren Harry and Meredith, sister-in-law 
Marilyn, brother-in-law Mike, and a host of nieces and nephews, who 
lovingly referred to him as Uncle Son. Again, I extend to you my most 
sincere condolences for our loss of this wonderful person. The 
unwavering love Sonny had for his family, friends, community, and our 
home State will live on forever in the hearts of all who knew 
him.

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