William Howard

Bill Cappy Howard died peacefully April 13 after a brief illness. He was born on October 19 1919 in Glouster Ohio in a small coal mining community the youngest of five children. His father Alfred Howard emigrated from Spinnymore England and went to work in the mines at age 12 to help support his family. He continued working for 62 years before retiring as a mine boss. Cappys mother Maude Howard spent her early years as a schoolteacher before meeting Alfred. Cappy was proud of his heritage and often shared memories of his early years with his family and older brother and protector Donald and how he became the local marbles champion. Before serving his country in World War II Cappy attended Ohio University and met and married the love of his life Jeanne Marie Deahl. One of his fondest memories while attending the University was being part of the Ohio Bobcats basketball team that was a national runner-up before losing in the finals in Madison Square Garden in 1941. After graduating from Ohio University and serving in the Army he was a schoolteacher before spending many years selling office equipment for Remington Rand. He then founded and operated Howard Business Systems before retiring in the late 1980s. After giving up marbles Cappy became and excellent draw poker player and continued to play poker throughout his life. Until very recently he played three times a week with his friends. His favorite movie was The Cincinnati Kid. IN addition to cards he enjoyed time with his close friends listening to Cincinnati Reds baseball and the holidays with his family. Mr. Howard was preceded in death by his parents brother Donald and sisters Leona Brown and Mildred Blosser and his wife of over 60 years. He is survived by his sister Florence Sellers son William (Cindy) Howard Jr. three grand children Aimee (Michael) Trunko of Akron Kimberly Romanski of Cuyahoga Falls and Arhtur (Jackie) Romanski of Perrysburg Ohio eight great grandchildren his loving companion Alice Houston and many friends. He will be missed by all. Friends may call on Saturday April 17 2004 from 4-7 p.m. at the Hummel Funeral Homes 500 E. Exchange St. Akron a funeral service will follow at 7:00 p.m.