NAPLES, FL – Kenneth Wayne Howard, 91, (1932-2024) passed away on February 18th, 2024, in Naples, FL with his loving family by his side. Ken was born April 17th, 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 seven 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 26th, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Peter Lutheran Church, 9451 Ashland Road, Wooster, where they married in 1958. Interment will follow in New Pittsburg Cemetery. Friends will be received on Sunday, February 25th, 2024 from 2:00-4:00 p.m. at McIntire, Bradham & Sleek Funeral Home, 216 E. Larwill Street, Wooster. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.mcintirebradhamsleek.com
