He was a retired U.S. Army Korean War Veteran having attained the rank of Sergeant First Class. After retiring from the U.S. Army, he worked for the State of Arkansas Department of Revenue. He was also a member of Immanuel Baptist Church. Mr. Totten was preceded in death by four brothers, Lowell, Albert, Emery and Bob Totten, and three sisters, Myrtle Rafter, Beulah Kelly and Martha Nelson. Howard never met a stranger and was known around town as the "candy man".
Survivors include his wife of 54 years, Betty Watts Totten of Monticello; one son, Kenneth Howard Totten and wife, Jennifer of St. Louis, MO; three brothers, Jack Totten and Amos Totten both of West Virginia, and John L. Totten, Jr. of Florida; two grandsons, Chris and Andy Totten of St. Louis, MO; one granddaughter, Katey Totten of St. Louis, MO; his extended family, Jim and Denise Beasley, Drew and Ann Taylor Beasley; and many nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.
Condolences(30)
Tony Hudson
Monticello, AR Monday, December 7, 2009 I was saddened to hear of Mr. Totten's death. It was a blessing to have gotten to know him over the years with him coming into Wal-Mart when I was the Manager.He would always ask either about a "cushion for his chair" (for all of the men coffee drinkers) or when he was going to get his "bonus check". He would ALWAYS ask how I was doing after being diagnosed with Parkinson's....rarely complaining of his own ailments.
He was a GREAT man....it is our loss but Heaven's gain. I missed getting to see him but I would occasionally see him. The last time I remember seeing him, he came over and hugged me tightly as if I was one of his "adopted" sons....I will NEVER forget that feeling.
I was also VERY saddened to hear of his death too late to pay MY respects to him and his family. I am so sorry I wasn't there....he deserved better from me.
May God bless you with comfort of knowing that Mr. Howard "Candy Man" Totten is right there by Jesus....most likely giving out candy to everyone he meets!!
BENNIE,CAROLYN&BENJAMIN ADAMS
, AR Thursday, December 3, 2009 MS. TOTTEN....BEN AND I MET MR. HOWARD YEARS AGO WHEN BENNIE HAD THE SHOP. HE HELPED US SO MUCH OVER THE YEARS. WE DID NOT KNOW HIM UNTILL THEN. HE BECAME OUR FRIEND THE FIRST TIME WE MET. HE WAS THE KIND OF PERSON YOU FEEL LIKE YOU HAVE KNOW FOREVER WHEN FIRST MEET. BENNIE PAINTED HIS BLUE FORD TRUCK. THE LAST TIME I SAW MR. HOWARD, I WAS SITTING IN WAL-MART AND HE CAME UP BEHIND ME AND GAVE ME CANDY. HE WAS ASKING ABOUT BEN. I SENT HIM A GET WELL CARD WITH A PIECE OF CANDY IN IT. HE WILL BE MISSED BY A LOT OF PEOPLE BUT I KNOW WE WILL BE SEEING HIM AGAIN KNOWING THAT HE IS SHELTERED IN THE ARMS OF GOD. IF IT IS POSSIBLE...I KNOW HE IS UP THERE HANDING OUT CANDY.Malia Stanley
Monticello, AR Thursday, December 3, 2009 I'm so sorry to hear about your loss. Mr. Totten was such a sweet man and he will truly be missed. I'll never forget those gardenias he would bring by the bank in Wal-Mart and the hugs I got everytime he saw me. May God bless your family and comfort you during this time.Joan Davidson
Little Rock, AR Wednesday, December 2, 2009 Betty Oleta, Ken & Jen my prayers and thoughts are with you and all of Howard's family. We will miss him and I know the the people of Monticello (young & old) will miss the Candy Man. Love you all. JoanDenise Frost Smith
Monticello, AR Wednesday, December 2, 2009 Mrs. Betty,I am so very sorry to hear about Mr. Howard. I always enjoyed his visits to the Courthouse. Please know that you and your family are in my prayers.
Josh & Angie Frost
Monticello, AR Wednesday, December 2, 2009 Mrs. Betty: I am so, so sorry to hear about Mr. Howard. We have been out of town for the holidays, and just returned and I was so shocked. You, and he always held such a special place in my heart. I always thought very much of him, and respected him greatly. There will never be another like him. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. If there is anything I can do for you, please let me know.Pat Savage
Monticello, AR Wednesday, December 2, 2009 So sorry for you all....my thought and prayers are with you.Tommy & Debbie Bailey
Benton, AR Tuesday, December 1, 2009 Betty, we were so sorry to here about Howard. He was a very special person and will be greaty missed by family and friends. His friends from Motor Fuel will cherish the many wonderful memories we have of times spent with Howard. I want you to know that our thoughts prayers are with you at this difficult time.Mary Harrel & Mattie Tucker
Monticello, AR Tuesday, December 1, 2009 Betty, so sorry for your loss. Howard was a great person and will be missed by everyone who knew him. Your family wilo be in our prayers.Georgie
monticello, AR Tuesday, December 1, 2009 Family my prayers are with you all in this time.Kims right he will be missed he always smileing and handing out hes candy to all of us in the store.god bless you all.The Taylor Family
Monticello, AR Monday, November 30, 2009 Ms. Betty you are in our thoughts and prayers. Mr. Howard will be deeply missed by us as a family and many others in the community. Howard would always bring a smile to a persons face. His love for people was shown in his walk of life. I , Aaron, had great respect for Mr. Howard for we had something in common. In or out of the armed service you form a common bond. I will miss Mr. Howard greatly. We want you to know you are loved by many and are in our prayers. With all our love Aaron, Jenni, Alora and Kade.KIMBERLY CARNAHAN
MONTICELLO, AR Monday, November 30, 2009 MY PRAYER'S ARE WITH THE FAMILY ... I WILL MISS HIM .. HE CAME INTO DOLLAR TREE EVERYDAY AND BOUGHT HIS CANDY TO PASS OUT .. AND ALWAY'S HANDED ME ONE TOO ... THE CREW FROM DOLLAR TREE WILL TRUELY MISS HIM ... GOD BLESS THE FAMILYKAREN & DAVID WALLACE & FAMILY
Hurricane, WV Monday, November 30, 2009 Aunt Betty and Ken, Oh the times we've had. Family standing with family amid the laughter and the tears. Our love, prayers, and tears are with you even though we can't be.Jim and Robin Moore
Nitro, WV Monday, November 30, 2009 Our thoughts and prayers are with you. We will miss Howard very much! Lots of love being sent your way.weldon & Peggy
Conway, AR Monday, November 30, 2009 Oleta & family...You're all in our thoughts and prayers....
We'll miss Howard so very much;...
All our love, Weldon & Peggy
Wesley & Judy James
Monticello, AR Monday, November 30, 2009 Our thoughts and prayers are with the family at this difficult time. Mr. Totten will be greatly missed.Zan and Raelynn Pierce
Monticello, AR Monday, November 30, 2009 Ms. Betty I was so shocked to hear about Mr. Howard. Our prayers are with you and your family. He was the nicest person I knew,always happy and of course always had candy. He will be missed. Love the Pierce Familyjoyce davis
grapevine, AR Monday, November 30, 2009 Mrs. Totten:I am saddened to hear of Howard's passing. I worked with him for many years. I will be praying for you and your family.
Judy. Pratt
Pine Bluff, AR Monday, November 30, 2009 Office of Field Audit, Southeast DistrictMichelle Atkinson
Pine Bluff, TX Monday, November 30, 2009 You all are in our prayers. I enjoyed knowing Howard as the "candy man". I met him while working for the Sate of Arkansas in Pine Bluff. God bless you all.Carol Daniel
Sugar Land, TX Monday, November 30, 2009 Oleta:I'm so sorry. I just found out. You have our deepest sympathy.
Carol Daniel and Brian Watson.
Carla & Joe
Harvest, AL Monday, November 30, 2009 We got Joan's message and are so sorry to hear the news. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. In sympathy, Carla & Joe MarchelitesDon Phillips
Little Rock, AR Monday, November 30, 2009 My sincere condolences to Betty and Ken on their loss of a good friend, father and husband.It was a pleasure knowing Howard, and we will miss him greatly.
Anne Forrest
monticello, AR Monday, November 30, 2009 Candy Man was the best person ever and I just want to send prayers to the family and his many friends. It is not often that you meet such a wonderful person but he fit that category in my eyes. He will be missed so much! I know for me I will never forget him.Cookie
St. Louiis, MO Monday, November 30, 2009 Wish I could be there with you but you are are in my thoughts and prayers. I love both of you very much and remember oftern the good times we had together.Amos & Judy Totten
Washington, WV Sunday, November 29, 2009 So sorry we can not be there. All our prayers and love is with you. Amos Judy and Familycarolyn jo caricofe
smithville, OH Sunday, November 29, 2009 Betty i am so sorry and shocked, my heart is broken and i send my prayers for you and your family..i will always remember Howard when i was a little girl he would take me to the movies and he was so jolly..My thaughts and prayers are with you .
i know mom will be glad to see him again.
all our love carolyn jo and forrest, ryan caricofe
Ruth Kulbeth Hunter
Wilmar, AR Sunday, November 29, 2009Oleta and family,
Words, however kind,
can't mend your heartache: ,
but those who care and ,
share your loss wish you,
comfort and peace of mind.,
May you find strength,
in the love of family,
and in the warm embrace,
of friends.,
Deepest Sympathy,
Ruthie
Debbie Doss
Monticello, AR Sunday, November 29, 2009 Im sorry to hear about Mr. Howard. He was a sweet n caring men. I will miss alot. He was like a grandfather to me. He will be missed.Carole (Doss)Rushing
Rison, AR Saturday, November 28, 2009 Oleta and family, I got Joan's message and I am so sorry about your loss of Howard. I know that you and Howard have always known that I loved you and was praying for you. My prayer now is that God will sustain you at this time and give you the peace and comfort that only he can give. Praying God's riches blessings upon the entire family - with love, Carole