Kenneth Wayne Howard, 91, passed away on February 18, 2024, in Naples, FL with his loving family by his side. Ken was born April 17, 1932 in Akron, Ohio, to Maxine and Tommie Howard, from Lakemore, Ohio, the second of five children, Juanita Younkin, Charles “Ed” Howard and Marilyn Howard who preceded him in death.
Ken graduated from Springfield Township High School in 1950. He enlisted in the Army and fought in the Korean War and was honorably discharged in 1952. Ken graduated from the State Patrol Academy in 1956 and was assigned to the Wooster Barracks where he met the love of his life Jacquelyn “Jackie” (Yoder) Howard, his wife for 65 years. Ken’s career in manufacturing took them from Wooster, Ohio to Greenville, Pennsylvania and Medina, Ohio during the earlier years and then to Westfield, Massachusetts in 1974 where he became the owner and CEO of Columbia Manufacturing Company where they remained for the next 40 years. After their children were grown, Ken and Jackie spent many years traveling. They toured many countries around the world and visited some of their most favorite places more than once. They built a second home in Naples, FL in 1996 and split their time between homes. They were avid golfers and belonged to West Springfield Country Club and The Golf Club of the Everglades. They moved full time to Naples, FL in 2017 after Ken retired from Columbia.
Ken is survived by his son, Kirk Howard, (Susie), their three children, Leslie (Jason), Ryan (Brittany) and Kristopher (Kayla), and 7 grandchildren of Jacksonville, FL; his daughter, Michele Rossi, (Kenneth), their daughter, Brianna of Naples, FL; his youngest brother, Thomas Gerald Howard (Carole) of Orlando, FL; brother-in-law Dick (Sally) Yoder of The Villages, FL; sister-in-law Rita Howard of Akron and many loving nieces, nephews, and a host of dear friends.
Services will be held Monday, February 26, 2024 at 11:00 AM at St. Peter Lutheran Church, 9451 Ashland Rd., Wooster, where they married in 1958. Interment will follow in New Pittsburg Cemetery.
Friends will be received on Sunday, February 25, 2024 from 2:00-4:00 PM at McIntire, Bradham & Sleek Funeral Home, 216 E. Larwill St., Wooster.
Online condolences may be left for the family at www.mcintirebradhamsleek.com
Noreen and I are very sorry to hear of the passing of Ken Howard.Our prayers are with Kirk, Michelle and all of the family. We both have many,many fond memories through the years of Kenny especially at Grandma Howard’s Thanksgivings. Kenny was a generous and amazing man that will always be remembered by family and friends alike for all that he accomplished.
God’s Blessings,
Don and Noreen Threlkeld
Thank you for your service. Condolences to the family.
Bill and I were so sorry to hear that Kenny passed away. We have many good memories of Kenny and Jackie’s friendship with my parents, Jim and Louise McDaniels. Mom is still with us and living in the same house in Medina. I have fond recollections of babysitting Kirk and Michelle when you all lived across the street.
Ironically we have lived in Ft. Myers for the last 10 years and would love to have reconnected with your terrific family.
Our deepest sympathies on your loss, we know how much you will miss your wonderful dad.
Hugs from Bill and Laurel (McDaniels) Jackson