Howard Linders

Howard Duane Linders (fondly known as "Dutch") was born October 1, 1932, the eldest of 8 siblings. His parents, Gerard and Mary Linders raised their large family on a laborer's salary in Kalamazoo. The home was always filled with love, good home cooked meals and a firm foundation of family. 3 of Howard's 4 grandparents were born in the Netherlands. His Dutch ancestry stayed with him throughout his life, making him a very practical person with a down-to-earth approach to life. From humble beginnings, come great things. At a young age, Howard was a go-getter and an overachiever but was never boastful of his accomplishments. He was the Manager of Washington School Junior High basketball team that won the city basketball title in 1946-1947. During his time in high school at Kalamazoo Central High, he made many friends, was the President of Student Council, and Captain of the Cross-Country team, while maintaining very high grades. He then went on to earn a Bachelor of Arts degree from Western Michigan University from 1950-1954. And a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering at the University of Michigan from 1954-1956. Howard was a huge supporter/donator of both WMU and U of M. He held season tickets to both WMU hockey and football, and U of M football season tickets most of his adult life. Even his grandkids enjoyed going to games and have fond memories of their times with Papa at "The Big House" or Bronco hockey games. Howard was a Civil Engineer in the U.S. Army Construction Battalion and served in Korea from 1956-1958. During his time overseas in Korea, he designed and built roads, bridges and infrastructures. This experience would lead him into a great transition of one of his greatest legacies with Walker Parking Consultants. After returning from Korea, he dated and courted our mother, Leatha Kline. He married the love of his life in February of 1960. They raised two children, Sheryl and Sandi, and built an amazing foundation of family, friendship and fellowship. Prior to joining Walker in 1965, Howard was a Structural Engineer for a large architectural/engineering firm. Howard held many positions over the course of his career with Walker Parking Consultants. He was Chief Engineer and Project Manager in the Kalamazoo office; Executive Vice President in charge of the Kalamazoo and Detroit offices; CEO and President; Chairman of the Board and Chairman Emiritus of the Board of Directors. Howard loved to golf and fish with his buddies. His life-long friends were truly family to him. Howard and Leatha loved to travel all over the world, but their two favorite places were the homes on Gull Lake and Sanibel. Howard loved sitting by the water or on the beach, working on his tan while reading a good book and usually with a cocktail in hand. He enjoyed working in the yard and took pride in how it looked. He was always up for a good time, any reason to have a party or gather with friends. He loved watching his grandkids' sports and events. Howard was a true gentleman and just an all around GOOD guy. He was loved by so many and will be missed by even more. Howard is survived by his children: Sheryl Linders; and Sandi Charlton and her husband Gerry Charlton. He was a proud Papa to Lauren Hunter, Kaitlyn Alexander and her husband Christian, and Evan Disher and Great Papa to Sofia and Brooklyn. He is also survived by his brother, Richard Linders. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Leatha Linders; his mother, Mary Linders; his father, Gerard Linders; his brothers, Jack Linders and Don Linders; and his sisters, Marilyn Roseboom, Judy Smith, Karen Kannegieter, and Mary Beth DeLano. Visitation will be held Saturday, May 16 at Langeland Family Funeral Home at 3926 S. 9th St., Kalamazoo. The visitation will start at 10:00am, service at 11:00am and lunch following the service where food, drinks and stories will be shared.