June 6, 1939 – Nov. 7, 2024
Mr. Harold Dean "Hoot" Howard, 85, was surrounded by his loving family when he passed away at 5 p.m. Nov. 7, 2024, at his home.
Born in Argos on June 6, 1939, Hoot was a treasured son of Ossie C. and Dora Craft Howard. Growing up he shared his childhood with three sisters and two brothers. Hoot graduated with the class of 1958 from Rochester Joint High School, where he formed friendships that spanned a lifetime, creating memories that left a lasting impression with his skills and abilities as a gifted multi-sport athlete. As a high jumper Hoot nearly eclipsed the 6' mark, clearing 5' 11.75". He played power forward on the basketball team. As a Zebra, he made the Indiana Basketball Coaches Association 1,000 Point Scorers List, scoring 1,059 total points during his career. This was prior to the advent of the 3-point shot era. Additionally, another teammate also was honored with over 1,000 points scored. He also earned first team All-CIC honors and was co-captain of the basketball team his senior year. Well rounded, Hoot also played football, baseball, tennis, ran track and cross country, and also participated in Future Farmers of America, Glee Club, Choral Club and Hi-Y.
Next, Hoot moved to the southwest where he pursued his dream of becoming a teacher and was a major influence for the Mustangs of the Western New Mexico University basketball team. He was a 1964 graduate of WNMU, where he was a three-sport athlete, also participating in golf and track. Hoot lettered four years in basketball, was named the MVP in 1961 and 1962, earned the free throw award in 1961-1962, All-Conference selection twice and Little All-American District 7 selection once. He tied the fieldhouse record for most points scored in a game with 43 in 1962 (again, no 3-point shots). As a track star, in 1962 he was a member of the first place wining relay team. For his many athletic accomplishments he was inducted into the Western New Mexico University's Athletic Hall of Fame in 2007. During his tenure as a Mustang, he earned his Bachelor's of Arts in secondary education with a focus on physical education.
In 1962, Harold married Ilene Crawford, and together they brought two wonderful children, Cheryl and Kevan, into the world. Hoot and Ilene's journey led them to return to Indiana in 1964 where he taught math at Fulton. In 1965 they returned to Springer, New Mexico where he obtained his first coaching position. In 1966 another move took them to Des Moines, New Mexico. After a move back to Indiana in 1967, they were teaching and he was coaching in Culver Community High School. Mr. Howard's final teaching career move took him to North Miami High School in 1968 where he taught math and coached for another three to four years. He often was a driver's education instructor in the schools he was teaching. The conclusion of teaching led him to another passion to become a full-time farmer.
Hoot's appetite for basketball was a lifelong passion. He played in the independent men's league with Buttermilk Bob's Team, coached by Charlie Talbott.
In addition to his 14 years farming, Hoot also worked for the Producers Hog Marketing Association in Mentone. He owned and operated a bovine artificial insemination business called Curtiss Candy/Curtiss Breeding Service working solo or in collaboration with Bob Bridge.
In 1992 Hoot married Nancy Ross. They were a couple for 19 years, until her passing in 2011.
For nearly 40 years, Hoot served as superintendent at Rochester’s Elks Lodge No. 2120 Golf Course. This endeavor brought him the greatest joy and fulfillment. With a strong work ethic he exhibited a meticulous effort in keeping the grounds pristine and ready for all the golfers that visited. He dedicated himself to the Lodge and the community, creating a gathering place that embodied camaraderie and an opportunity to embrace the natural beauty of the Elks Club course that overlooked the east shore of Lake Manitou.
In about 2020, Hoot met Ruth Ann Ravencroft, who brought new light and joy into his life. On Aug. 6, 2021, Hoot and Ruth Ann celebrated their union in a beautiful ceremony near the tee off of the fourth hole of the Elks Golf Course, a place of special significance to both Hoot and Ruth Ann.
His memberships include Rochester’s Elks Lodge No. 2120, Fraternal Order of Eagles Aerie No. 852 and the Western New Mexico University Alumni Association, continuing to foster a spirit of connection and unity. Hoot played golf nearly every day after work until the last few years. He also enjoyed golf trips with his buddies traveling to many special and unique courses across the continent.
Ruth Ann and Hoot liked to golf and of course she introduced him to pickleball. Hoot started out this year playing in the Elks Golf league with his partner Ben Daulton until his health made playing too painful. To relax he watched any and all sports on television and old westerns. He also looked forward to visiting with friends while sipping coffee at the truck stop to catch-up on the latest local news and solving world problems.
Left to cherish Hoot's memory are his wife Ruth Ann at home; daughter Cheryl Howard, of Rochester; grandson Christopher Shirley, of Summerville, S.C.; brother Paul Howard, of Rochester; brother-in-law John Davis, of Rochester; bonus children: Lyndee Duhnovsky (Shawn), Jacob Smith (Michelle), Joshua Smith (Sumer); mother-in-law Lois Bowers; the in-laws include Sue Bowers, Joe Bowers, John Bowers (JoAnn), Jay Bowers (Cindy); life friend Ilene Howard; his many nieces and nephews; and many friends from life's journey at the Elk's Golf Course, the Western New Mexico Mustang's Alumni Association, his coffee buddies and the many students and colleagues he influenced during his teaching career.
Preceding him in death are his parents Ossie and Dora Howard; son Kevan Bret Howard on Feb. 3, 1984; wife Nancy Howard on March 8, 2011; stepdaughter Tracy Munsey on July 23, 2016; two brothers: Junior Bailey, Carl Howard; four sisters: Finettie Rudd, Thelma Jean Rudd, Betty Miller and Eileen Davis.
A celebration of the life of Mr. Harold Dean "Hoot" Howard is at 1 p.m. Monday, Nov. 11, 2024, in the Good Family Funeral Home, 1200 W. 18th St., Rochester. Pastor Jim Howard will officiate. His family will receive friends from 10 a.m. until the hour of the service. Preferred memorials may be made in Hoot's name to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, 4550 Montgomery Ave., Suite 1100 N, Bethesda, MD 20814, or to the Rochester Elk's Lodge No. 2120 Scholarship Fund, 2506 Country Club Drive South, Rochester, IN 46975. Envelopes are available at the funeral home.
