Martha Joan Mallen-Howell, age 83, was born December 21, 1939, the daughter of Alvin Thomas and Vivian Chloe (Whiteley) Binstead and passed away at her home in Stewartsville on October 9, 2023.

Joan graduated from Plattsburg High School Class of 1957 and after graduation attended Platt Business School, St. Joseph.  Joan and David Mallen were united in marriage 1958, to this union five children were born.  She worked for Southwestern Bell Telephone Company for 25 years, from which she retired.  Joan and Rex Howell were united in marriage in September of 1993.

She was a faithful member of Culbertson Chapel United Methodist Church in Stewartsville where she was a Youth Group Leader and was a part of the United Methodist Womens’ group. Joan was also a member of Jolley Workers’ Club, Order of Eastern Star, and Pioneer Club.  Joan loved gardening, cooking, bird watching, and rooting for the Kansas City Chiefs.

Joan is preceded in death by her parents and daughter,  Karen Lurae Mallen.

She is survived by her husband Rex; four children Beth (Rick) Singleton, Cameron, MO, Barry (Rita) Mallen, St. Joseph, MO, Keith Mallen, Stewartsville, and Kevin (Tammy) Mallen, Savannah, MO; ten grandchildren, Gannon (James), Patrick (Jacqueline), Ray (Heather), Ashley, Audrey (Curtis), Charlotte (Shannon), Cierra (Brad), Marcus (Emily), Ryan (Megan) and Ashlyn; and ten great-grandchildren.

Visitation will be 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Friday October 13, 2023, at Turner Family Funeral Home of Stewartsville.  Funeral Services will be 10:00 a.m. Saturday, October 14, 2023, at the funeral home with burial following at Lebanon Cemetery.  

Memorial contributions:  Lebanon Cemetery or Culbertson Chapel United Methodist Church. Online condolences: www.turnerfamilyfuneral.com