Del moved from his hometown of Salinas in November 2017 with his wife of almost 39 years, Phyllis Howe.
Del was a graduate of Salinas High School and Hartnell College and he proudly served in the U.S. Air Force where he was stationed in Okinawa.
He enjoyed a long and prosperous career in the agriculture seed business where the fields of his beloved Salinas Valley and the relationships he fostered with farmers and the like nurtured his soul. Del taught his children the values of the land and never passed a field without quizzing them to identify the crop. Upon retirement, the consummate farmer always had a bountiful vegetable garden. Each year, he set his sights on producing an award-winning sized pumpkin, which to everyone’s surprise; he won prize money one fall! His yearly field of Dahlias was something to behold and if you were lucky, he gave you a bouquet.
His Episcopal faith was a sustaining force in his life. He was a member of the Church of the Good Shepherd in Corral de Tierra where he enjoyed many friendships and volunteer hours especially around the barbeque. He loved singing in the church choir where his voice could always be heard.
Del was a member of the Elks Club and the Rotary.
Del enjoyed his senior discount on the slopes, which made it hard for him to give up his skis in his early eighties.
He loved nothing more than watching his grandchildren compete on the sports field and in the pool
Del is survived by his wife, Phyllis Howe; daughter Catherine Truesdell (David); and son Goardon Howe (Terese); brother Ronald Howe (Nancy); stepson David Black (Becky), stepdaughter Roberta Baughman (James), He is the proud grandfather of Kate Truesdell, Chad Truesdell, Jack Howe, Andrew Howe, and his step grandchildren Tamara Hardin, Terry Weeks, Robert Black, Julie Black, Tyler Chappel, and Casey Chappel.
Del's six great grandchildren have also brought him great joy. Del will be greatly missed, but his love will reside forever in our hearts.
Del was preceded in death by father Sterling Howe and mother Norma Howe; brother Stuart Howe.
Our family would like to thank the medical providers who cared for Del in his last days when we could not be anywhere near.
A memorial gathering will be held later.
Contributions in Del's memory may be made to a charity of your choice.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.boicefuneralhome.com for the Howe family.
