OTTAWA — Three people will be named to Ottawa High School’s Wall of Honor.
The 2009 inductees will be former Sheriff Rex Bowling, butterfly artist Bill Howe and KOFO owner Brad Howard. After serving in the Air Force, Bowling started in the Ottawa Police Eepartment and was elected Franklin County Sheriff in 1973. He was sheriff for 27 years. He played an active role in Neighborhood Watch, Crimestoppers, DARE and was a president of the Kansas Sheriffs’ Assocation. Bowling died Oct. 27, 2004. He is survived by his wife Mary Beth, who nominated him. Bill Howe mixed his art and his passion for butterflies. He is an international expert on butterflies and moths and has collected thousands of specimens which he has used as references for his illustrations and paintings. His paintings are in several books including the Doubleday encyclopedia “Butterflies of North America” and his own book “Our Butterflies and Moths.” Several of his murals are in the presidential palace in Mexico and he’s been featured in many national publications. He was nominated by Dee Anne and Jerry Harnden. Since he was five, Brad Howard knew he wanted to be in radio. He built his own radio station in the family barn and practiced every day. When he was 15, he started working for KOFO. After he attended Pittsburg State, he worked for six radio stations in Kansas and Missouri. In 1987, he bought KOFO and he’s still general manager. Over the years, he and KOFO have won several broadcast awards. He’s been active on the Lincoln School Site Council, Crimestoppers, the Kansas Association of Broadcasters and has been emcee for Ottawa Veteran Day and Christmas parades. He and his wife Sandy have two daughters. He was nominated by Tiffany Evans. They’ll be honored at the Wall of Honor banquet Sept. 24 at Ottawa High School.
