Kevin Lee Howze

Kevin Lee Howze passed away on Thursday, May 22, 2025, in Bakersfield, California. Born on December 31, 1969, in Los Banos, California, Kevin spent his childhood on a small family farm off Highway 43. He attended Rio Bravo Greeley Elementary and graduated from Shafter High.

Kevin married the love of his life, Shannan, in 1989, and together they built a close-knit family over 35 beautiful years. They raised four children-Tyler, Hayden, Sarah, and Allie-and welcomed their son-in-law, Josh, into the family with open arms. Kevin loved Josh like his own, and when Miette and Hayden married, she quickly became part of the tribe. Kevin and Shannan were blessed with eight grandchildren: Kynlee, Mari, Nash, Walker, Lennix, Charlie, Cora, and Ada-each one deeply loved and cherished.

Kevin is survived by his mother, Linda Howze; his brother Landon, and sisters Arlana and Carrie, along with their spouses; numerous nieces and nephews, mother and father-in-law, Carol and Jim Holloway, as well as extended members of Shannan's family. He was preceded in death by his father, Burl Howze.

Kevin's life was grounded in faith, family, and football-he was a devoted Dallas Cowboys fan. But above all, he was driven by a deep desire to give his children opportunities he never had. He stood firmly in their corner-cheering them on, offering guidance, and providing help in any form: advice, resources, time, or just a steady presence. Sarah says that she believes being there for his children gave him a reason to live.

A true helper at heart, Kevin was a source of wisdom, a go-to for anyone who needed help moving (which happened often!), and a weekly visitor to his mom Linda's home, where he managed her finances and kept a loving eye on her well-being.

Kevin had a quick wit and a gift for humor, often delighting friends and family with his "Kevin-isms." One of many memorable lines: after Allie dissected a brain at school, he proudly shared she got two A's-and then joked about the dissection adding, "Someone there lost their mind."

In his early career, Kevin worked in the roofing trade alongside his brother Landon, with whom he shared countless laughs and rounds of golf and pool. Later, he earned his degree, and with his family's support, began a new chapter in IT. The Howze family spent seven years in Colorado, followed by a move to Turlock, where Kevin worked with his cousin Ted, forging a deep friendship. He ultimately joined Chevron's IT department, where he spent 16 successful years and built lasting relationships-and it was there he worked with Arlana and his niece, Caitlin.

Kevin was intentional about showing up-for Friday family nights, poolside BBQs, and beach or Grand Canyon getaways. He was a loving husband, father, papa, son, brother, and friend. His sisters often reminded him that he was an amazing brother and friend in life.

A faithful man, Kevin's love for God and His promises was central to his life. He loved studying the Bible with his weekly Men's Bible Study group, discussing doctrine, and pursuing spiritual understanding. Living out his faith and seeking truth was a constant and meaningful journey and he was baptized as a Christian on April 7, 2024.

A viewing will be held on Thursday, June 5, 2025, from 6 PM to 7 PM at Kern River Mortuary, 1900 North Chester Avenue, Bakersfield, CA 93308. Graveside services will take place on Friday, June 6, 2025, at 10 AM at Shafter Cemetery, 18662 Santa Fe Way, Shafter, CA 93263.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Teen Challenge, www.teenchallenge.com