John Howe, Sr.

Howe, John E. Sr. Plainwell, MI John E. Howe Sr. passed away quietly on March 17, 2019 at Rose Arbor in Kalamazoo. He was born February 13, 1937 to Aaron and Esther (Johnson) Howe, in Kalamazoo, and has been a life-long resident of the area, graduating from Otsego High School in 1955. On July 12, 1957 he married his high school sweetheart, Donna Crouse, who survives. They were married 61 years. Together they raised their family, worked in business and at home, enjoyed traveling, taking long walks, the outdoors, and wildlife forever husband and wife, and best friends. John worked hard his whole life. In childhood, it was helping out at home and for neighboring farms and orchards, including his Uncle Howard's Twin Lakes Boat Livery. In adolescence, his claim was driving a garbage truck when he was 14, and finding the most "corn bores" to sell for bait. As an adult, John worked 27 years at Fuller Manufacturing (Eaton). He also did much sideline work with his sons, roofing and siding many homes in the area. In 1984 John and Donna founded and operated Howe Aluminum Products (now Howe Patio & Window), where he worked until he retired in 1997. He always had time to work with Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts and Little League. He attended all the kids and grandkids sporting events, school plays and concerts. In addition, camping, canoeing, fishing, boating and numerous summer vacations with two generations - children and grandchildren - leaving many lasting memories, especially the Indian Mounds and muddy hiking trails. John was a proud member of the Otsego Fire Department, where he met many of his life-long friends. He was also a dedicated CPR Instructor and fire investigator. He enjoyed going to the Kalamazoo Speedway, where he once raced stock cars in the 1950s, and was a NASCAR and Indy-car fan. If there is one thing anyone who met John Howe would notice, it was his passion! Passion for Donna, passion for his family, passion for living well and passion for laughter. Passion for honesty, working hard and excellence. Passion for helping out, doing right and playing a prank. His passion for adventure led him rafting down the Colorado River in the Grand Canyon, through the rain forests of Costa Rica, skydiving, snorkeling, dog sledding, hot-air ballooning, mountain hiking all with Donna by his side. If he did anything, it was living his life with passion. A life well lived is a legacy of passion we can all aspire to. Nothing made John happier than time spent with his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was dedicated to them, and to his friends, and he will always hold a special place in their hearts. John is preceded in death by his parents and seven siblings: Aaron, Sondra, Harold, Norrine O'Dell, James (his twin), Jerry, and Janet Penn. Surviving are his wife, Donna, sons, John Jr. of Kalamazoo and Gary (Donna) of Otsego; daughter, Deborah Williams of Brooksville, Florida; siblings Barbara (Bob) Reitkerk of Kalamazoo, Joan Holmes of Kalamazoo, David Howe of Las Vegas, Nevada, and Kenny (Phyllis) Howe of Alamo; daughter-in-law Debi of South Haven, and; sister-in-law Patricia Barnes of Hampton, Virginia, and brother-in-law Ray Penn of Kalamazoo. Also, John had four grandchildren, Lacey, Kellie, Alyson and Aaron, and four great-grandchildren, Essie, Ruby, J.J. and Lydia, plus many nieces, nephews, as well as his life-long friends, including his 70+ year connection with his best friend, Jack Kisinger. Family and Friend visitations will be Tuesday, March 26 from 2-4pm and 6-8pm, at Winkel Funeral Home in Otsego. A family memorial will be held, with burial of ashes at Mountain Home Cemetery in Otsego. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Christian Neighbors of Plainwell.