Howard & Lola House

Howard Hubert House

November 6, 1929 – December 15, 2024

Lola Jean Droge House

July 14, 1927 – October 28, 2025

Married November 10, 1951

Some love stories are measured not only in years, but in all the ordinary days shared along the way. Howard and Lola’s lasted 75 years – a lifetime of working hard, standing by one another and building a family filled with love.

Their story began in Kansas City.

Lola had moved here after growing up with three brothers – Lyle, Kermit and Norman – on a farm in southeast Nebraska. Her beautiful singing voice was part of many church programs, weddings and funerals. After graduating from Pawnee City High School, she moved to Kansas City to work at Union Pacific and then Folgers Coffee. She lived in a boardinghouse where she made lifelong friends, one of whom was the connection to Howard.

Lola and Howard met at El Torreon on Gilliam Plaza which was then a roller rink. From that meeting grew a partnership that would last a lifetime.

Howard was born in Chicago and moved to Kansas City with his parents and sister, Louella, when he was around 10 years old. He graduated from Manual High School and served in the Army before beginning his career as a mechanic, eventually managing the service operations of several automobile dealerships. Lola’s 30 years working at Farmland Industries was a source of pride for her. Both approached their work with the same dedication they brought to their life together.

Along the way they made many friends that lasted a lifetime. They were happy, humble and welcoming people. They treated others with kindness, generosity and loyalty. From the beginning of Howard’s decades-long racing career, Lola was his biggest fan, traveling across the region to watch him win countless races and many championships in his white Midget with red number 12.

The family Howard and Lola created was their greatest treasure. They shared their lives with their only child, Linda Kay (Lenza), and their beloved granddaughter, Emily Caroline Lenza. For Linda and Emily, Howard and Lola’s devotion to each other and to them will remain a lasting source of love and comfort.

When they both became ill with Alzheimer’s Disease after being blessed with so many years of good health, they moved forward in their changing life together with their characteristic positive attitude. Their love was a bright light, and they were there for each other until the end.

Howard and Lola’s lives were woven together through 75 years of shared memories, hard work and deep affection. They are remembered with profound love and missed more than words can express.

Relatives and friends are invited to the Memorial Service at White Chapel Funeral Home, 6600 NE Antioch Rd., Gladstone, MO 64119 on Saturday, October 3, 2026 at 12:00 PM with Visitation from 11:00 PM until service time. Committal Services will be held privately by the family at White Chapel Cemetery, Gladstone, MO. Please share memories and condolences on the White Chapel Funeral Home website.