Howard Francis Kavanaugh, loving husband, father, and grandfather flew into the arms of Jesus Christ on August 14, 2019, at the age of 91. Howard was born on April 24, 1928, to Alma and Vincent Kavanaugh and lived his early years in Beech Grove, Indiana, with his parents and six siblings as faithful members of Holy Name Catholic Church. Howard was a WWII Navy Veteran serving in the Pacific aboard the U.S.S. Princeton.
He married the love of his life Carol Ann Johannes on November 29, 1952, and Howard claimed that their wedding day was the happiest day of his life. Howard and Carol had eight children and actively raised them in the Catholic parishes of Holy Name and Nativity of Our Lord. Howard was an independent concrete contractor for most of his adult years, later having been employed at the Marion County Home in maintenance until he fully retired. Howard also was an active volunteer for Bunker Hill Fire Department and St. Francis Hospital. His sense of humor was infectious, and Howard has left his family and friends with many fun memories and stories. He lived simply yet fully, served his Lord Jesus Christ and his Church faithfully, and loved his family and friends unconditionally. Howard Francis Kavanaugh will forever remain in the hearts of the family and friends he leaves behind.
Howard was preceded in death by his son, Daniel, who he loyally took care of for 54 years, his parents, three brothers, Carl, Leo, Donald, and his sister, Dorothy. He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Carol Ann Johannes, his sons Patrick and Michael (Jane), his daughters Kathleen Ganka (Pete), Mary Helm (Mark), Theresa Charles (Chip), Jean Kavanaugh (Jeffrey), Cynthia Battiato (Nick), his sister, Sister Timothy Kavanaugh, his brother Tom Kavanaugh, as well as 21 grandchildren and 28 great grandchildren.
Visitation will be held at Little & Sons Funeral Home, 1301 Main Street, Beech Grove, IN 46107 on Sunday, August 18, from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. A Funeral Mass will be said at St. Barnabas Catholic Church, 8300 Rahke Rd, Indianapolis, IN 46217 on Monday, August 19, at 12:00 noon followed by a procession and burial service at Calvary Catholic Cemetery, Indianapolis. Memorial contributions can be made to St. Barnabas Catholic Church or the American Cancer Society of Indiana.
