David W. Howard

On Friday, October 27th, David Howard went to be with his Lord after a brief illness. David was 90 years old. He was preceded in death by the love of his life, Lorene Howard, who were married for 69 years. He was born in Lafontaine, Indiana, on October 9, 1933, to Wilbur and Elizabeth (Garrison) Howard. He graduated from Marion High School in 1951 and was forever a Marion Giant fan, attending every game he could from the 1950's through 2022.

David met his wife at Custer's Last Stand and they had a loving and fulfilled life, always putting others first. Together they built a wonderful family with three sons, Robert Howard, Mike Howard, and Stan Howard, as well as Sandra (Dave) Julius, who was like a daughter to him.

David worked at Custer's Last Stand from the time he was 14 until the restaurant closed in 1974. He was like a son to Ethel Custer. He was the Manager at Custer's. He then helped open the Long John Silver's in Marion, becoming an area supervisor over several stores. He retired from Long John Silver's. Bud Silverthorne was a cherished friend and boss.

They were blessed with four grandchildren Courtney Howard, Sara (Danny) Beck, Lauren (Zane) Cooper, and Michelle (Kristy) Ritchie. They had seven great-grandchildren Mike Howard, Emma and Ella Beck, Olivia Howard, Birkley Cooper, Skylar Howard, Andy Beck, Owen Beck, and Spencer Ritchie. Tiffany (Mark) Hartman, Amber Julius, and Ashli (Nick) Michaels were like his grandchildren. He is also survived by his sister Norma Cooper.

David was preceded in death by his parents, wife Lorene, his son Mike Howard, and his sister Karen Roush.

David was a hard worker teaching his children a strong work ethic, was a wonderful provider to his family, and could fix almost anything.

David was a member of Hanfield United Methodist Church and for many years helped his wife organize the Passover meal.

David sold Christmas trees at Custer's in the winter time which afforded the family a vacation to Fort Myers Beach. It became a special place where all the family enjoyed many walks on the beach.

He was always willing to pitch in and help his family. He celebrated his 90th birthday with the family in Deep Creek Maryland yet again creating special memories.

Arrangements for David have been entrusted to the College Park Chapel of Armes-Hunt Life Celebration Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 4601 South Western Avenue, Marion, Indiana 46953, where a visitation will be held on Friday, November 3, 2023, from 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. A funeral service will follow at 12:00 p.m. Burial will take place at Grant Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in memory of David Howard to the MCS Giant Athletics Fund, c/o Community Foundation of Grant County, 505 West Third Street, Marion, Indiana 46952. Donations may also be made online at www.GiveToGrant.org/GiantAthletics. Online memories and condolences may be shared at www.armeshuntfuneralhome.com.