Kenneth D. “Butch” Howard, 55, a resident of Pilgrim Meadows, passed away Thursday evening surrounded by family, after battling cancer for nearly three years. As a child he fought off illness and refused to be labeled sick. He will be remembered for his smile, quiet demeanor and care for others
Butch was born in Ary, Kentucky on May 23, 1956, the son of Lloyd D. and Phyllis L. (Hensley) Howard. They moved to the Marshall County area and Butch attended Triton High School and I.T.T. in Ft. Wayne completing courses in drafting and engineering.
Very well known for being a hard worker he first worked for the McCord Corporation in Plymouth as a design engineer. Butch was gifted at taking an idea and having the vision to create it – as with many powered products that he worked on in the family business; Buckeye Powered Parachutes in Argos.
Butch was a family man who was well entrenched in his faith and belief in his Savior Jesus Christ. He was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ in Argos where his father pastors.
As he was committed to his family he was committed to the sport of running and he did so every day for over 20 years. From an early age horses were a big part of his life and past-time and he would have made a good cowboy. He also enjoyed gardening and the game of baseball. He had a passion for singing and playing the banjo as well.
Butch is survived by his parents, Lloyd and Phyllis of Argos and his maternal grandmother, Maudie Hensley also of Argos.
His loving wife; Deanna (Gonzalez) who he took as his bride on December 29, 1979 in Argos survives with their four children: Natasha L. (Arthur) Bonebrake of Hobart, IN, Ashley A. (Taylor) VanLandingham of Lawrence, KS, Wyatt I. Howard and Kendra D. Howard both at home. Grandchildren include: Payton, Isaiah, Isaac and Valerie.
Butch’s siblings are: Ralph E. Howard, Anthony W. (Lisa) Howard, Christopher L. (Jane) Howard and Jacqueline E. (Harold) Vires all of Argos.
Numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends including his devoted pet Bart all survive.
He was preceded in death by his maternal grandfather, Willard Hensley and paternal grandparents, Shelby and Anna Howard.
Visitation will be held on Sunday, February 26th from 3 – 7 p.m. in the Johnson-Danielson Funeral Home, 1100 N. Michigan St. Plymouth. Services will be held in The Church of Jesus Christ, 15676 Michigan Road, Argos on Monday, February 27th at 1 p.m. Visitation will continue one hour prior to services in the church. Butch’s father Lloyd and brother Tony will preside.
The family would request in lieu of flowers memorial gifts be made to The Church of Jesus Christ, P.O. Box 67, Argos, IN 46501
Lindsey Quaas says
Ashley,
Thinking of you and your family. Love ya girl.
Martha Waddell says
Natasha, I am so sorry to hear about your father passing away. I know how hard it is to loose your parents. If there is anything I can do please let me know. Thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this difficult time. Martha, cafeteria at the Early Learning Center
David Solomon says
To the Howard family,
With deepest sympathy I am sorry to hear about Butch. He was a great son, brother, uncle and friend and could always make a person laugh. I\’m glad that I had the privilege of working with and knowing Butch. It\’s great that he has no more suffering and is in a better place walking with God.
Love in Christ,
David Solomon
Hager & Rose Tolson says
Please know that our prayers are with your family as you go through this most sorrowful time, may you have peace and comfort in knowing that you will be with Kenneth again in heaven .
God bless your family, Love in Christ, Hager & Rose Tolson
Gwen DeMont-Calvert says
Phyllis, Chris and rest of the Howard Family … I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Gwen DeMont-Calvert
JOHN AND NORMA LESLIE says
We are praying for you. May Jesus Christ comfort you.
Love and Prayers
Brother John and Sister Norma Leslie
Decateur Micighan
Dawn Kazda says
Natasha and Family,
We are so sorry for your loss. His battle was a long tough one and I\’m sure he fought every step of the way. He will always be watching over you all and reaching out to you until you all meet again. I am here for you for anything you need anytime. Please don\’t hesitate to call. I love you so much. Butch will now rest in peace.
Janet Luce\' says
Phyllis, Lloyd and family, So sorry to hear of Butch\’s passing. You, your family and friends are in our prayers. Looking back to all the good memories will make you smile and hopefully those smiles will make each day a little easier.
Janet (Nancy Hensleys cousin) & Lucky
Rebecca Gant says
Ashley and family,
I \’m so sorry to hear about your dad\’s passing. We are holding you all in our hearts.
Much love,
Rebecca
Sharon Houin says
To my dear friends Ralph and Phyllis,
I am so saddened to hear of Butch\’s passing. What a wonderful and thoughtful man he was. I am thankful to have known Butch and to have had an opportunity to share in the gift of his smiles. He was always the first person I would seek out when visiting at Buckeye so I could get a dose of his great attitude and whit. He was always on top of things and so happy to help, amidst the many other things he was busy with at the time. The guy just had such a great presence.
And he never missed an opportunity to wave and let you know he was happy to see you when passing you in his infamous truck. I always seemed to spot him coming from a long distance and kept my eyes focused so as not to miss another friendly wave and smile. What a gift he was to us all.
My love and prayers to all of you in your family. May God hold you close and give you His glorious comfort at this time and always.
Sending my love,
Sharon Houin
Reggie \'Nail\' Toler says
All of the Howard family.
I am so sorry for your loss and the loss to all of us who consider Butch and all of you as friends.
I loved Butch and greatly admired his talents and presence. I spent a lot of memorable times with Butch both at the Buckeye factory and at flying events. I have many enjoyable memories of he and I in \”The Red Tent\” at Oshkosh and Sun n Fun. He and I attended the very first Sport Expo at Sebring, Fl and I had the honor of \’coercing\’ him to fly with me one evening…..he hadn\’t been up for many years…..little did he know the thrill that flight gave me.
We hold you in our prayers that God may comfort you in this time of loss.
Dawn Kazda says
Natasha and Family,
We are so sorry for your loss. His battle was a long tough one and I\’m sure he fought every step of the way. He will always be watching over you all and reaching out to you until you all meet again. I am here for you for anything you need anytime. Please don\’t hesitate to call. I love you so much. Butch will now rest in peace.
Amy Davis says
My thoughts and prayers are with the Howard family. So sorry about your loss.
Scott Hughes says
Sorry to hear about Butch\’s passing.
I know he is now in very good hands and is flying high. It is always the hardest for the loved ones left behind. The thing we all can take comfort in is that one day, we will all be together again. It is at these times we can appreciate what Jesus did for all of us.
Gods Speed Butch
Scott and Lisa Hughes
Shelly Record says
Dear Wyatt and family,
My thoughts and prayers are with you during this very difficult time. We are here to support you in any way you can. When you return to school, your friends and classmates will be here for you at any time you need us.
Thinking of you,
Mrs. Shelly Record
Tamara Albertson says
Dear Deanna,
I was very sorry for your loss. I remember when you and Butch got married. Several years ago when I was coming back to Plymouth, I ran the blueberry stomp and Butch and I ran a while together. I told him– you and I had gone to school together for many years. We had a connection.
I just wanted to let you know I am thinking of you and your family. You are in my thoughts and prayers
Maria Pesak says
To the Howard Family,
We are so very sorry to hear of your loss. He suffers no more. Please know that your family is in our thoughts and prayers.
The Pesak family
(Noah Pesak, wyatt\’s friend)
Richard Williams says
We were sorry to hear of Butch\’s home going, while we miss him he is praising his Lord and walking the street of gold. We last talked to Butch back in 2011 and he was in high spirits and was fighting the cancer but is no longer troubled by that.
For the Howard family claim this promise: I Thess 4:13-18 and may God comfort each and everyone of you.
Richard and Shirley Williams
Courtney and Earl Bargerhuff says
To Ralph and the rest of the family. We are so sorry to hear of your loss. Butch is now soaring on wings way better than a powered parachute! May you be comforted by God\’s love that surrounds each of you. Courtney and Earl Bargerhuff
Darrell Mazzoline Family. Bev, Tess says
Howard Family,
I want to offer our deepest sympathy to your entire family. Butch was a kind, loving, passionate man.
His talent for bringing things in his mind to reality was uncanny. I only knew Butch for a few short years, but I feel like I?ve known him much longer. I had the pleasure of working by his side a time or two. Most people would pay no attention, but I did. Remarkable.
I have enclosed some photos I took of Butch. These were shot just days after his first surgery. He was building my prized Dragonfly for me. I took these photos knowing Butch?s fate. I can tell you one thing — he knew I was taking them and why, and he was not happy about it. He did bark at me to stop. Some, I even had to take from a distant with no flash so he would not know I was shooting him.
I think of Butch every time I work on or fly my Dragonfly. I cannot put a wrench on it without thinking and knowing Butch had his had on it. I consider myself blessed to have known him. He will be missed by many.
May your heart be warmed knowing his work is known around the world. Some may not even know it?.But I do.
Lindsey Quaas says
Ashley,
Thinking of you and your family. Love ya girl.
Martha Waddell says
Natasha, I am so sorry to hear about your father passing away. I know how hard it is to loose your parents. If there is anything I can do please let me know. Thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this difficult time. Martha, cafeteria at the Early Learning Center
David Solomon says
To the Howard family,
With deepest sympathy I am sorry to hear about Butch. He was a great son, brother, uncle and friend and could always make a person laugh. I\’m glad that I had the privilege of working with and knowing Butch. It\’s great that he has no more suffering and is in a better place walking with God.
Love in Christ,
David Solomon
Hager & Rose Tolson says
Please know that our prayers are with your family as you go through this most sorrowful time, may you have peace and comfort in knowing that you will be with Kenneth again in heaven .
God bless your family, Love in Christ, Hager & Rose Tolson
Gwen DeMont-Calvert says
Phyllis, Chris and rest of the Howard Family … I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Gwen DeMont-Calvert
JOHN AND NORMA LESLIE says
We are praying for you. May Jesus Christ comfort you.
Love and Prayers
Brother John and Sister Norma Leslie
Decateur Micighan
Dawn Kazda says
Natasha and Family,
We are so sorry for your loss. His battle was a long tough one and I\’m sure he fought every step of the way. He will always be watching over you all and reaching out to you until you all meet again. I am here for you for anything you need anytime. Please don\’t hesitate to call. I love you so much. Butch will now rest in peace.
Janet Luce\' says
Phyllis, Lloyd and family, So sorry to hear of Butch\’s passing. You, your family and friends are in our prayers. Looking back to all the good memories will make you smile and hopefully those smiles will make each day a little easier.
Janet (Nancy Hensleys cousin) & Lucky
Rebecca Gant says
Ashley and family,
I \’m so sorry to hear about your dad\’s passing. We are holding you all in our hearts.
Much love,
Rebecca
Sharon Houin says
To my dear friends Ralph and Phyllis,
I am so saddened to hear of Butch\’s passing. What a wonderful and thoughtful man he was. I am thankful to have known Butch and to have had an opportunity to share in the gift of his smiles. He was always the first person I would seek out when visiting at Buckeye so I could get a dose of his great attitude and whit. He was always on top of things and so happy to help, amidst the many other things he was busy with at the time. The guy just had such a great presence.
And he never missed an opportunity to wave and let you know he was happy to see you when passing you in his infamous truck. I always seemed to spot him coming from a long distance and kept my eyes focused so as not to miss another friendly wave and smile. What a gift he was to us all.
My love and prayers to all of you in your family. May God hold you close and give you His glorious comfort at this time and always.
Sending my love,
Sharon Houin
Reggie \'Nail\' Toler says
All of the Howard family.
I am so sorry for your loss and the loss to all of us who consider Butch and all of you as friends.
I loved Butch and greatly admired his talents and presence. I spent a lot of memorable times with Butch both at the Buckeye factory and at flying events. I have many enjoyable memories of he and I in \”The Red Tent\” at Oshkosh and Sun n Fun. He and I attended the very first Sport Expo at Sebring, Fl and I had the honor of \’coercing\’ him to fly with me one evening…..he hadn\’t been up for many years…..little did he know the thrill that flight gave me.
We hold you in our prayers that God may comfort you in this time of loss.
Dawn Kazda says
Natasha and Family,
We are so sorry for your loss. His battle was a long tough one and I\’m sure he fought every step of the way. He will always be watching over you all and reaching out to you until you all meet again. I am here for you for anything you need anytime. Please don\’t hesitate to call. I love you so much. Butch will now rest in peace.
Amy Davis says
My thoughts and prayers are with the Howard family. So sorry about your loss.
Scott Hughes says
Sorry to hear about Butch\’s passing.
I know he is now in very good hands and is flying high. It is always the hardest for the loved ones left behind. The thing we all can take comfort in is that one day, we will all be together again. It is at these times we can appreciate what Jesus did for all of us.
Gods Speed Butch
Scott and Lisa Hughes
Shelly Record says
Dear Wyatt and family,
My thoughts and prayers are with you during this very difficult time. We are here to support you in any way you can. When you return to school, your friends and classmates will be here for you at any time you need us.
Thinking of you,
Mrs. Shelly Record
Tamara Albertson says
Dear Deanna,
I was very sorry for your loss. I remember when you and Butch got married. Several years ago when I was coming back to Plymouth, I ran the blueberry stomp and Butch and I ran a while together. I told him– you and I had gone to school together for many years. We had a connection.
I just wanted to let you know I am thinking of you and your family. You are in my thoughts and prayers
Maria Pesak says
To the Howard Family,
We are so very sorry to hear of your loss. He suffers no more. Please know that your family is in our thoughts and prayers.
The Pesak family
(Noah Pesak, wyatt\’s friend)
Richard Williams says
We were sorry to hear of Butch\’s home going, while we miss him he is praising his Lord and walking the street of gold. We last talked to Butch back in 2011 and he was in high spirits and was fighting the cancer but is no longer troubled by that.
For the Howard family claim this promise: I Thess 4:13-18 and may God comfort each and everyone of you.
Richard and Shirley Williams
Courtney and Earl Bargerhuff says
To Ralph and the rest of the family. We are so sorry to hear of your loss. Butch is now soaring on wings way better than a powered parachute! May you be comforted by God\’s love that surrounds each of you. Courtney and Earl Bargerhuff
Darrell Mazzoline Family. Bev, Tess says
Howard Family,
I want to offer our deepest sympathy to your entire family. Butch was a kind, loving, passionate man.
His talent for bringing things in his mind to reality was uncanny. I only knew Butch for a few short years, but I feel like I?ve known him much longer. I had the pleasure of working by his side a time or two. Most people would pay no attention, but I did. Remarkable.
I have enclosed some photos I took of Butch. These were shot just days after his first surgery. He was building my prized Dragonfly for me. I took these photos knowing Butch?s fate. I can tell you one thing — he knew I was taking them and why, and he was not happy about it. He did bark at me to stop. Some, I even had to take from a distant with no flash so he would not know I was shooting him.
I think of Butch every time I work on or fly my Dragonfly. I cannot put a wrench on it without thinking and knowing Butch had his had on it. I consider myself blessed to have known him. He will be missed by many.
May your heart be warmed knowing his work is known around the world. Some may not even know it?.But I do.