Donald B. Howland

Mr. Donald B. Howland, of Lansing, died May 11, 2012 surrounded by his loving family. Born November 6, 1927 to Bertha and Harry B. Howland, Donald spent all of his life in Lansing. He worked for over 50 years for the A.A. Smith Insurance Agency. He was a devout Catholic and was a member of St. Mary Cathedral.

He met and married the love of his life Patricia Smith in 1950 and had 48 wonderful years together. Out of that love four children were born, Robert and wife Barbara, James and wife Kathy, Mary and husband Tom, Kathy and husband Kevin.

He is also survived by ten grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren, and one brother, LeRoy Howland of DeWitt. Donald was preceded in death by his wife Patricia in 1994.

Funeral Mass will be held at St. Mary Cathedral, 219 Seymour Avenue, Lansing on Tuesday, May 15, 2012 at 10:00 a.m. The family will receive friends at the Estes-Leadley Greater Lansing Chapel on Monday from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. with a Rosary to be prayed at 7:00 p.m. Visitation will also be held one hour prior to mass on Tuesday at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Lansing Stoneleigh Residence or to St. Mary Cathedral in memory of Donald.

Thank you Dad for the love you gave us and the example you always showed. We love you always.

 

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5 Messages to “Donald B. Howland

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Sherri Falkenstein
May 14, 2012 at 12:12 pm

Kathy and family, I am so sorry to hear that your Dad has passed away. He was such a nice man and always had a smile for everyone. I am sure he is smiling down on all of you from heaven right now. All of your wonderful memories of him will help you through this difficult time.

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Patrick and Colleen Kelley
May 14, 2012 at 7:43 pm

We were able to meet with Don a few times with his son Jim, and his wife, Kathy. Don was a wonderful man, kind, and very involved with his kids and grand-kids. He was a positive man, always had only kind words and had a great sense of humor! The world will miss Don, as will his family and friends, but our memories will stay. So sorry for your loss, and sorry that we were unable to attend the visitation. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Pat and Colleen Kelley

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Ken & Kathy Duimstra
May 15, 2012 at 8:57 am

Bob, Barb, Andy and Nick, We are so sorry for your loss. Our prayers and thoughts are with you and your family. I know you have good memories to keep with you. God bless you all.

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Michelle Cadarette
May 15, 2012 at 12:12 pm

don howland
To the family of “Don – The Piller of the Grant Street Neighborhood.” I moved to Grant Street in 1987. I was warmly greeted by Don and Pat. It was always a secure feeling to see Don walking up and down the block, pipe in mouth, and in the winter his red and black checkered coat. In the summers Don ALWAYS had the best manicured yard, thanks to his thoughtful family combined with his knack for taming vines. We all aspired for our yards to become even half as beautiful as Don’s yard.

Don always took it upon himself to watch over our neighborhood and be the best neighbor that anyone would ever want. When I moved to the Grand Rapids area 2 years ago, I would bring Don the Grand Rapids Press to read. He loved to be informed of all the happenings of Michigan. I also like to give Don some of my extra prepared meals, and he always thanked me profusely. I consulted Don numerous times since 1987 regarding lawn and garden projects. He always was resourceful! When he bought his Yellow Bug, it always brought a smile to everyone when he drove it…he was a natural fit for the VW!

Although Don has moved out of this earthly world…his good deeds and energy on Riley and Grant Streets will remain forever. He truly was a fine gentleman and a pleasure to know. God bless his family. Sincerely, Michelle Cadarette, 2115 Grant St neighbor.

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Leone White
May 15, 2012 at 8:11 pm

Bob and Barb
I was sorry to hear about your dad’s death last Friday. Bob, you were the perfect son! You took care of your dad right to the end. You will never regret those sleepless nights! I pray some day my kids will be as kind to me. I love the picture of your dad you have posted here. It helps me visualize what a vibrant person he was in his younger years. I am so honored to have gotten to know you this past year. Looking foward to more Tues mornings together.
Hugs, Leone

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