Howard grew up on a farm in Boonville. Upon graduation from Tipton High School, he went to San Diego with a close friend in the summer of 1943 to work for Consolidated Aircraft. Howard enlisted in the Navy in the fall of 1943 and was trained as a marine diesel mechanic. He served on LST-739 in the LST Flotilla 16. His ship was involved in major campaigns in the South Pacific, including Okinawa and Leyte Gulf, followed by the post-war occupation force in Japan. Howard served honorably until early discharge in 1946 as a Machinists Mate. He offered to reenlist, but was turned down. He later found out that his draft status was supposed to keep him within the continental US!
Howard attended college in Warrensburg, Missouri for one year where he met Dotty Irwin. Howard and Dotty married on February 1, 1948 in Kansas City, Missouri. Howard was a loving and supporting husband to Dotty for 70 years.
Howard started working at the Kansas City Star in 1948, and retired in 1990 as Manager of the Whitepaper Department after 42 years. The Kansas City Star was still publishing two papers daily when he retired, making him a very busy man. Howard was often on the phone late in the evening making sure that things were running smoothly overnight.
Russ Krohn was born on May 15, 1955, followed by Randy Krohn on July 7, 1961. Howard was a dedicated father that enjoyed taking his boys fishing, playing catch, and attending as many of the boys’ school activities as possible. He also instilled senses of patriotism, quiet determination, and self-reliance ~ and a love for bourbon.
After Howard’s retirement, he and Dotty enjoyed many years of playing bridge and traveling together. They enjoyed Hawaii, Branson, cruises on the Panama Canal, the Caribbean, and the rivers of Europe, as well as land trips over much of Europe. Howard also enjoyed his vegetable gardening and had a garden in Grandview and Kansas City, and helped out with the Santa Marta garden.
Howard and Dotty moved to Santa Marta in August 2010 where they truly enjoyed the camaraderie and community of Santa Marta.
Howard is survived by his wife Dotty of 70 years, and his sons Russ (Kim) and Randy (Holly).
A Celebration of Life will be held for Howard at Santa Marta at a date to be announced.
In lieu of flowers, donations are encouraged to Crossroads Hospice Foundation, the Santa Marta Associates Appreciation Fund, or a charity of your choice.
