River Howald

River Hayden Howald, age 22, of Ozark, passed away Sunday, August 9, 2020 from complications of Crohn's Disease. He was born in Springfield on September 10, 1997. He was a 2017 graduate of Ozark High School. From the time he was two River's dream was to "Dig with Daddy" when he got big. He fulfilled that dream as he worked alongside his father, Jesse Howald, for Howald LLC in construction. His hopes and dreams were to one day take over the company. He loved his work, was dependable, honest, and had great integrity. He was an integral part of the team and will be missed greatly by all those who worked alongside him. River loved his family and friends. He was extremely kindhearted and was the kind of man who would give the shirt off his back to anyone in need. His smile was contagious and he was light hearted with lots of laughter that was sure to fill a room. He had many loves in life including hunting and fishing with his brothers and sisters, guns of any kind, dirt bikes, ATV's, square bodied Chevys, and riding a good horse. He loved learning to cook new things and cooking for others, though he wasn't very fond of the cleaning that always followed. In high school he was part of the Ozark wrestling team and was always a team player, supporting those around him. He also participated in the POW boxing program in Willard, MO and he had a mean right hook. River is survived by: his father and mother, Jesse and Jessica Howald; seven brothers and sisters, Chelsy Howald, Tessa Stoll and husband Jacob, Tyler Mills and wife Taylor, Tryston Howald, Keagan Thornton, Macee Howald and Braddax Howald; niece Brinley Mills; nephews, Jaxson Mills and Micajah Stoll; grandparents, Jessie and Sandy Howald, Glynda and William Linder, and Linda Mills; great-grandmother, Gloria Howald; aunts, uncles, and other relatives. He was preceded in death by his grandfather, Scott Mills. River will be cremated with his ashes placed according to his wishes. Arrangements are under the direction of Adams Funeral Home.