Howard Dawson Wiggs

Howard Dawson Wiggs, affectionately known as "Ole Buddy" by his grandchildren, was a remarkable man whose life began on February 18, 1939, in Bath County, Kentucky. He passed away in Warsaw, Kentucky, on February 12, 2026, just days shy of his 87th birthday. Throughout his life, Howard touched the lives of many with his unwavering dedication to his family and community.

Howard began his career as a milk deliveryman for Kraft Foods, expertly navigating the backroads of Owen and the surrounding counties. This experience paved the way for his transition to a lineman with Owen Electric Cooperative, where he displayed his strong work ethic and commitment to service. Known for his handyman abilities at Elk Lake, Howard became skilled in many trades, taking on everything from cutting grass to plumbing, electrical work, and carpentry. His entrepreneurial spirit led him to establish various businesses, including cattle and tobacco farming, home building, and a boat storage business he built from the ground up. His leadership qualities earned him the unofficial title of Elk Lake Mayor.

Howard’s love for basketball started at a young age, and his impressive performance in high school earned him a scholarship to Western Kentucky University. However, his true education came from the life experiences that shaped him into the devoted husband, father, and grandfather he was known to be.

Howard was a dedicated member of Mt. Vernon Baptist Church, where he found solace and community, fostering relationships that enriched his life. He loved the outdoors, often seen fishing off the dock at the lake, hosting fish fries for family and friends, and passionately cheering for UK Basketball. The times spent by the water or surrounded by loved ones were his most treasured moments.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 63 years, Nancy Taylor Wiggs; his daughters, Jane Lynn (Brent) Brown and Dawsinda Conliff; his brother, Jimmy (Connie) Wiggs; and his cherished grandchildren, Matthew Edward (Olivia) Brown, Elizabeth Nicole (John) Deters, and Christopher Dawson (Leah) Brown. The joy of his life continued with the presence of his great-grandchildren, Jaggar, Josey, Grady, Isabelle, and Isaac.

Howard was preceded in death by his first wife, Elizabeth Ann Simpson Wiggs; his loving parents, William B. and Nellie Goldey Wiggs; his son-in-law, Charles Conliff; and his siblings, Jane Hughes, Lena Dempsey, and Stanley Wiggs.

Friends are invited to celebrate Howard’s life during a memorial gathering on February 21, 2026, from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM, followed by a memorial service at 1:00 PM, both at New Funeral Homes, located at 202 N. Main Street, Owenton, Kentucky. Memorial contributions are suggested to Mt. Vernon Baptist Church.