Donald Howard

Donald G. Howard, age 89, of Menno Haven, Northgate in Chambersburg, and formerly of Baltimore, MD, died Friday, December 29, 2017 at Menno Haven. Born September 6, 1928 in Baltimore, he was the son of the late B.C. Glenn Howard and Anna Miller Howard of Baltimore. He was a member of Trinity Lutheran and served on the Church Council.

He and his wife, Shirley (Straatsma) Howard were married on April 8, 1950 in Baltimore. They enjoyed playing cards (pinochle), visiting and dining out with friends, and traveling throughout the USA, the Caribbean, Canada and overseas.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by a son, Gary G. Howard and wife Jo-Ann (Turner) Howard of Etters, PA; two grandchildren, Andrea (Howard) Dormer (wife of John) Mechanicsburg, PA and Christopher Howard (husband of Amanda) of Aspers, PA; and five great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by a son, Wayne P. Howard of York, PA and a sister, June H. Tollberg of Seneca, South Carolina.

While living in Baltimore, he was involved in sports activities which included track & field, fencing and basketball. He also enjoyed hunting, boating and fishing.

He served in the 175th Inf. Regiment, 29th Infantry Division. He also served as president of the Sportsmen’s Chapter of the Izaak Walton League, (Baltimore) and as Maryland State Division Vice President. He also served for four years as President of Conservation, Inc.

He began his working career as a draftsman at the Glenn L. Martin Company of Middle River, MD and later moved to Bendix Radio of Towson, MD as a senior Draftsman. He joined J. Schoeneman, Inc. in Baltimore, MD in 1964 where he served for several years as research Associate. In 1966 he was transferred to Chambersburg as Plant Engineer where he served for 18 years. He later was employed as Plant Manager and ultimately as Project Manager and Assistant to the Vice President of Operations at Commercial Modular Systems, Inc. of Hagerstown, MD, from which he retired in May 1992.

He was a Private Pilot and Secretary/Treasurer of Tailwinds, Inc. of Hagerstown, MD. Following his retirement in 1992, he became a charter member of Habitat for Humanity of Franklin County and was elected secretary, a post he held for twenty years.

At his request, he will be cremated and his remains will be saved and comingled with his wife’s upon her death. Disposition will be at the discretion of the family. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Habitat for Humanity of Franklin County, 1502 Lincoln Way East, Chambersburg, PA 17202-3343.

A memorial service will be held at11:00 AM on Thursday, January 11, 2018 at Menno Haven in the Chestnut Landing dining room. Arrangements are entrusted to Thomas L. Geisel Funeral Home and Cremation Center, Chambersburg, PA.