Howard R. McCall

Howard Rex McCall, 89, of Overland Park, KS passed away on August 26, 2021 at Kansas City Hospice House. He was born on November 14, 1931, in Kansas City, MO to Spencer Ford McCall and Vera Mae (Graves) McCall. Howard married Norma Jean Williamson on June 20, 1953 at Blessed Sacrament Church, Kansas City, KS. Their daughter, Kimberly, would join the family a few years later. They celebrated 68 years of marriage this past June.

Howard graduated from Central High School in 1949, and then attended the University of Kansas City for several years. Later, he attended the University of Missouri at Kansas City (UMKC), and earned a Certificate in Transportation, which was granted by UMKC. He then qualified for and received a Practitioners License from the Interstate Commerce Commission (ICC), working in the transportation field until he retired. After a few years of retirement he needed a new view on life. So, he sought out a part-time job, and began working at a downtown Overland Park liquor store, where he enjoyed telling underage customers he could and would not be selling to them.

Howard served in the US Army Reserves for 23 years. He graduated from the Infantry Officer Candidate School (OCS) at Fort Benning, GA. After the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr in 1968, he worked as a peace officer during the Kansas City, MO race riots. Also, as part of his Army Reserve annual requirements, he spent 2 weeks practically every year at camp in Wisconsin Dells, WI, where Norma and Kim would ride the bus to join him for a vacation almost every summer. Eventually, he retired from the Army Reserves with the rank of Major.

He always emphasized education, and believed education could solve most problems and make the world a better place. Some of his proudest accomplishments were serving on the School Board of Bishop Miege High School, including a term as President, and the first School Board of the Holy Cross Catholic Grade School. He also served on the Archdiocesan Committee to study the Catholic Schools of Johnson County, KS. Howard volunteered for several years in the Development Office at Bishop Miege. He would often tackle several secretarial and organizational items for this office, including working on several committees for the school’s Annual Auction. He was the Auction Chairman for the “Adult” Beverages Committee for several years. His ability to almost accurately estimate the amount of beer needed each year was something to be proud of. The addition of a Girls Basketball Team during Kim’s senior year at Miege brought a new joy to Howard and Norma both. They followed the team for years, going to many home games, maybe a few away games, and most certainly driving all over Kansas to watch and cheer on the girls as they accomplished many state titles. For several years, Howard bought flowers for the players upon different occasions. He was one of their biggest fans and supporters, especially for someone who didn’t even have a personal, familial connection to any of the players.

Howard was preceded in death by his parents and older brother, Nelson. He is survived by his wife, Norma; loving daughter, Kim Grant (Steve) of Lee’s Summit, MO, and wonderful granddaughters, Tracey and Madison, also of Lee’s Summit, MO. Also surviving are sisters, Marlene Cooper and Verna Jean Stockman, as well as several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

His visitation will begin at 10:00am with Mass of Christian Burial to follow at 11:00am on Friday, September 3, 2021 at Holy Cross Catholic Church, 8311 W. 93rd Street, Overland Park, KS. Burial will follow in Mount Calvary Cemetery, Kansas City, KS. Please respect the family’s wishes that masks be worn properly at all times during the visitation, funeral mass and at the gravesite. The family plans to have a memorial luncheon at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, Howard respectfully requested memorial contributions to the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Kansas City (Tracey’s employer), 2502 Cherry Street, Kansas City, MO 64108, or online at rmhckc.org or a charity of your choice.