Hinsdale- Louis Edward "Lou" Howe, 83, of Plain Road, died peacefully Saturday night, August 13, 2011 at Brattleboro Memorial Hospital following an extended illness. Mr. Howe was born in Chesterfield on December 1, 1927 the son of Charles and Lumina (Major) Howe. He attended Hinsdale schools and was a graduate of Hinsdale High School, Class of 1946. He proudly served his country in the U.S. Navy during World War II stationed in the European theater of Operation. Following his honorable discharge from active service he went to work for the Crosby Milling Company on Vernon Road in Brattleboro. He later attended barber training school in Boston obtaining his license as a barber. For several years Mr. Howe operated his own shop in Winchester, N.H. and later worked for several barbershops in Brattleboro that included, LeBerts, White's Barber Shop, Harold's Place and Mac's Barber Shop. He was a longtime member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles, Brattleboro Aerie #2445 where he served as president for four years. Mr. Howe was also a member of the American Legion, Brattleboro Post #5, and the V.F.W. Carl M. Dessaint Post #1034. With his wife he had attended Saint Joseph's Catholic Church in Hinsdale. Of his leisure time activities he enjoyed carpentry, puttering around his home, hunting, fishing and playing cards, especially cribbage. He also enjoyed wintering in Florida. In his youth he liked to ride motorcycles. Mr. Howe was known for his spirit of friendship and his generosity always willing to help anyone in need. On June 10, 1950 at Saint Joseph's Church in Hinsdale he was married to Barbara Johnson who survives. Besides his wife of 61 years he leaves, two sons, Stephen Howe of Hinsdale and Rodney Howe of Culloeka Tennessee, one sister, Louise Puchalski of Whately, Mass, six grandchildren, four great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by one brother, Marcellus Howe and two sisters, Elizabeth Sprague and Helen Hildreth. The Liturgy of Christian Burial will be celebrated Thursday at 10:00 A.M. at Saint Joseph's Catholic Church. Burial with full military honors will follow in Saint Joseph's Parish Cemetery. Friends are invited to call at the Atamaniuk Funeral Home on Wednesday from 7 to 9 P.M. Memorial contributions in Mr. Howe's name may be made to, The Oncology Department at Brattleboro Memorial Hospital, 17 Belmont Avenue, Brattleboro, VT 05301 or to Rescue Inc. P.O. Box 593, Brattleboro, VT 05302.