After serving as a firefighter in Kansas City for 35 years, Muldrow resident Steve Howser envisioned a peaceful retirement, free from the hustle and bustle of city life. Little did he know that retirement would lead him down a path he never envisioned.

Growing up in Muldrow, Howser had always dreamt of leaving the countryside behind and venturing into the city.

“When I was 20, I visited my uncle in Kansas City and decided not to return home,” he reminisces. “I crashed on his couch for about a year, picking up odd jobs until I landed a position as a fireman.”

For over three decades, Howser confronted the flames of countless infernos, displaying unwavering bravery in the face of danger. His firefighting career was characterized by acts of selflessness and bravery, extending beyond the confines of Kansas City to wildfires across the western United States.

“Our battles weren’t confined to Kansas City alone. We fought fires in Montana, Colorado and even California,” Howser recounts.

Reflecting on his career as a firefighter, Howser emphasizes that firefighting transcended a mere job—it was a profound calling.

“To me, firefighting was more than just a job,” he says. “It was a calling—a commitment to putting one’s life on the line daily to serve our community, to save lives, and to make a real difference.”

In 2015, after a lifetime of firefighting and urban living, Howser and his spouse opted for a change of scenery, relocating to this hometown of Muldrow.

“We scouted around Arkansas but couldn’t find anything suitable until a neighbor of my brother listed their home in Muldrow,” he shares, chuckling at the irony of returning to his roots.

Back in Muldrow, Howser reveled in the proximity to family, cherishing moments spent with his son, Michael and grandson, Carter.

“Michael worked nearby in Fort Smith, allowing us to bond with Carter, which was truly special,” he fondly recalls.

Life in Muldrow was idyllic until the COVID- 19 pandemic upended their tranquility.

“Covid changed everything. We were confined, unable to visit family or travel, feeling somewhat trapped,” Howser laments.

The pandemic dealt a devastating blow when, in 2020, Howser lost his son to the virus, leaving young Carter orphaned at the tender age of eight.

“As a firefighter, I’ve faced my share of challenges, but losing a child is incomparable, especially leaving behind a fatherless boy,” he shares. Despite grappling with grief, Howser resolved to provide love, stability and guidance to Carter, stepping into the role of a surrogate parent without hesitation.

“I never envisioned raising a 12-year-old boy at 64, but it’s been a fulfilling second chapter,” he reflects.

Howser dedicates his days to ensuring Carter’s well-being, imparting wisdom gleaned from generations past and embodying the essence of a devoted grandfather.

“Though retired from firefighting, I’m committed to supporting my family,” he affirms with a warm smile.

Their time together, whether fishing by the river, working in the garage, or sharing heartfelt stories over home-cooked meals, underscores the resilience and enduring bond of family ties.

“Retirement didn’t offer the quiet life I anticipated, but it’s been my best yet,” he says. “I’ll go to great lengths to ensure Carter has a happy and fulfilling life.”

Carter is not complaining either.

“He is cool,” Carter says, “he teaches me lots of things and we go on road trips a lot.” Carter says that his grandpa has inspired him to one day be a firefighter himself; something that fills him with pride.

“I do not regret anything that has happened, I have had a rewarding career, a great son, a happy life. Now I get to do it all over again,” he says.

Looking towards the future, Howser maintains that the greatest reward lies in knowing he’s made a profound difference in someone’s life.