Douglas M. Howe, 57, of Nebo, IL passed away on Sunday, December 20, 2009 at 8:10 p.m at the VA Medical Center in Danville. Douglas was born on September 11, 1952, the son of Minor A. and Mary K. Buchanan Howe. Douglas served his country in U.S. Army during Vietnam and earned the Bronze Star Medal. He worked as a coal miner and specialized in tunnel boring. Douglas also developed technology which enhanced tunnel boring. He was a member of the VFW Post #4763 in Chatham and enjoyed fishing, camping, boating and watching westerns. He was preceded in death by his parents and a sister, Charlotte Sue Howe-Flynn. He is survived by a brother, Michael D. Howe of VA; a sister, Dianna Hilliard of Peoria; and several nieces and nephews. Family will receive friends from 12:00 to 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, December 29, 2009 at Kirlin-Egan & Butler Funeral Home, 900 S. 6th St., Springfield. Funeral ceremonies will follow at 1:00 p.m. with Scott Brindley officiating. Burial follow at Camp Butler National Cemetery with military honors provided by the Department of Defense and the Interveterans Burial Detail of Sangamon County. Memorial contributions may be made to the Chatham VFW Post 4763, 501 West Mulberry Street, Chatham, IL 62629.