Donald C. Howard

HOWARD, Mr. Donald C.
Kalamazoo, MI Passed away Sunday evening February 13, 2011with family at his side. Donald was born August 23, 1911, in Kalamazoo, Michigan, the son of the late Charles and Etta Sinsabaugh Howard. Donald was a sales representative for Doubleday Bros. and Company before retiring in 1973. He was also a member of the Westwood United Methodist Church, lifetime member of the Masonic Fidelity lodge #513 F&A M, lifetime 32 degree Mason, life member of the DeWitt Clinton Consistory, and Saladin Shrine Temple, holder of both the Kalamazoo and State 1978 Shriner of the Year Awards, life member and past president of the Kalamazoo Shrine Club, life member of the B.P.O.E. Elks #50, life member of Court No. 11 Jesters and past board member for 25 years of the Kalamazoo Society for Crippled Children and Adults. Donald was quite a bowler, having rolled his first "700' score in a 1940 Major league. He played baseball and later softball, was never good at golf, and enjoyed the outdoors as much as possible. He was energetic in his Shrine activities, and at the former Simpson Methodist Church where he served on many committees including the one instrumental in construction of the Westwood United Methodist Church. In his retirement years he devoted much of his time to volunteer work, assisted by his wife Sylvia. Travel was another of his likings and Don and Sylvia completed a good number of visits to interesting places in the United States and other parts of the world. Donald was married June 29, 1933 to Sylvia B. Weston Howard who preceded him in death on March 14, 2007. He was also preceded by 2 brothers, Edward Howard in 1979 and Robert Howard in 2004. He is survived by his son, Donald G. Nancy Howard of Bradenton, FL; 3 grandchildren, Donald George Jr., Debra Sue Crowe, and Dawn Michelle; 4 great-grandchildren, Katie, Donnie, Hannah, and Drew; a sister-in-law, Esther Howard of Canton, OH; and several nieces and nephews. Services will be held 11 o'clock Thursday at the Westwood United Methodist Church, 538 Nichols Rd. Friends may meet the family 4-6pm Wednesday at the Langeland Family Funeral Homes, Memorial Chapel, 622 S. Burdick St. and one hour prior to the service at the church. Interment will be in Riverside Cemetery. Contributions in Don's memory may be directed to the Shriners Crippled Children's Hospital or to the Westwood United Methodist Church. www.langelands.com . 343-1508.