Howard Herman Nearing

Howard H. Nearing passed away peacefully at home on May 14, 2024. Howard was born on December 26th,1927 in Kansas City, Missouri to Herman and Mildred Nearing. He had two sisters Martha Nearing McKay (deceased) and Marion Nearing Dunmire.

He is survived by his loving wife, Ann; son, Dr. Scott Nearing (Stacey); daughter, Jennifer Nearing; grandsons, Chris Nearing, Mark Nearing (Courtney) and a great granddaughter, Vivian Nearing.

Howard attended Southwest High School in Kansas City, where some of his fondest memories came from participating on the track and football teams. While at the University of Kansas, Howard was a member of Phi Delta Theta fraternity. He received his Bachelor of Science degree in Architecture and Design. He was awarded the Harvard Trophy for the highest grade point average, as well as winning the prestigious Scarabe Award.

His professional career began in 1951 at the firm of Edward W. Tanner and Associates. In June of 1961, Howard opened his own firm, Howard H. Nearing Architect AIA, which eventually grew into Nearing, Staats, Preloger and Jones Architects. In 2013, Howard was honored with the naming of the HOWARD NEARING/NSPJ ENDOWED HOUSING STUDIO on the campus of the University of Kansas. It provides an annual “Award of Excellence – HOWARD NEARING PRIZE” to a fourth year architect student, it also funds research projects and student travel to housing design competitions.

Howard was a true gentleman and traditionalist with a passion for living an active and healthy lifestyle, which included biking, skiing, running, working out, walking, boating, traveling and a myriad of home projects. He cared deeply about his community of Mission Hills, generously serving for many years on the City Council and the Architectural Review Board.

Howard will be remembered for his extraordinary talent in designing magnificent homes, not only in the Kansas City area, but in all regions of the country. He loved the art of creating beauty through architecture.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial donations to the KU Endowment in support of the Howard Nearing Prize (09692). Donations may be sent to KU Endowment, P.O. Box 928, Lawrence, KS 66044 or give online at www.kuendowment.org/givenow entering “Howard Nearing Prize 09692” in Other Purpose.