Joe Richard Howlett, 73, who spent his adult life in the leather business, died April 16 following a brief illness.

Under the direction of his father, W.C. Howlett, Joe Howlett entered the work force in the leather industry in 1949, as the fourth generation Howlett to operate the business since its founding in 1863.

Joe became manager of the Caldwell Division of the Browning Caldwell Co. later becoming president and stockholder of the Caldwell Leather Co.

Joe was joined in the company by his daughter Lisa, and both purchased the remains of the Caldwell Leather Co. not owned by Joe at the time. The company was renamed the Auburn Leather and Co.

With Lisa heading Auburn, Joe moved to Florida where he founded, owner and president of the Okechobee Leather Co., which was a supplier of leather to Auburn and others in the industry.

Joe returned to Auburn where he founded the Old Kentucky Leather Co. in Franklin, KY, serving as owner and president.

During partial retirement, he continued to consult for both Auburn Leather and Old Kentucky Leather and was on the boards of directors at the time of his death.

He is survived by two other children, Pam Leach and Lloyd Howlett, neither of whom are associated with the business