Carl R. Howard

Carl R. Howard, 93, of rural Macy, passed at 3:45 p.m. Friday, Nov. 24, 2023, at Hickory Creek of Rochester.

Carl was born on Aug. 25, 1930, in Kosciusko County, to the late O.C. and Dora (Craft) Howard. He was a graduate of Rochester High School in 1948. On Aug. 3, 1973, in Cave City, Ill., he married Nancy Keele Reed, who preceded him in death on Jan. 31, 2012.

Carl was a farmer and also worked for Sonoco Products Co. of Akron, General Tire of Peru, which later became Gencore. He worked for the company for more than 30 years. While working there he designed many tools and had a few patents. Carl was a lifetime member of the Eagles Lodge Aerie 852 and the Elks Lodge as well as a regular at the American Legion, all of Rochester.

Carl enjoyed farming with International tractors, golfing and westerns. He was an avid Chicago Cubs fan and loved to talk sports. He was a poker and euchre player. He had card buddies who he played regularly with for many years. He loved getting together with family, especially at reunions and at the former Teel’s Restaurant of Mentone. He also liked ice cream and popcorn and recently he woke up and said to Eddie, “Can we go to Dairy Queen?” but it was 2 o’clock in the morning.

He is survived by his children, Teresa Howard Friedman, of Jasper, Rick Howard and wife Rebecca, of Rochester, Tim Howard and wife Betty, of Tippecanoe, Todd Howard and wife Deb, of Rochester; stepchildren, Debra Hull and husband Marvin, of Boise, Idaho, Eddie Reed, of Macy, and Mike Reed, of Nappanee; many grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren; brothers, Harold Howard and Paul Howard, both of Rochester; and several nieces and nephews.

Carl was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Nancy; a son, Mike Howard; sisters, Betty Miller, Finette Rudd, Thelma Rudd and Eileen Davis; and a brother, Junior Bailey.

The funeral service will take place at 1 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 29, at Hartzler Funeral Home, 305 W. Rochester St., Akron.

The interment will follow the service in the Athens Cemetery, Athens, next to his wife, Nancy.

Visitation hours will be held from 11 a.m. until the time of the service at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions can be made in Carl’s memory to the Fulton County Animal Center 1540 Wentzel St., Rochester, IN 46975.

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