Dr. Howard Lewis Ely, DDS

Dr. Howard Lewis Ely, DDS, age 88, of Battle Creek, Michigan, died peacefully on Tuesday, July 30, 2024, at Marshall Villa in Marshall, Michigan.

Howard was born February 29, 1936, in Villa Grove, Illinois, the son of Everett James and Marjorie Ruth (Lewis) Ely. He grew up in Villa Grove and moved to Danville, Illinois his senior year, graduating from Danville High School. Howard attended Eastern Illinois University. Howard Lewis Ely and Patricia Belton were united in marriage May 1959 in Danville IL. Howard enlisted in the U.S. Air Force and spent most of his service at Rhein-Main Air Force Base in Frankfurt Air Force Base in Germany with Patricia. While serving in the U.S. Air Force Medical Corps, Howard was introduced to dental practices and encouraged to follow that path in life. He received his undergraduate degree from Eastern Illinois University and went on to graduate at the top of his class with honors from Loyola University in Chicago, earning his Doctorate and the class Pediatric Award. Howard moved to Battle Creek in 1968 and opened and operated his dental office until retiring at age 72. 

He was formerly married to Patricia Belton. Surviving are their three sons, Eric K. (Teresa) Ely of Marshall, Michael H. (Cheryl) Ely of Battle Creek, Mark A. (Leann) Ely of Kalamazoo; five grandchildren, Ethan J. Ely, Kelsey M. Ely, Samantha L. Ely, Loren E. Ely, Kamryn C. Ely; special friend, Marcia Ambs of Battle Creek and a cousin and several nieces and nephews and their families. Howard was preceded in death by his parents; a daughter, Jennifer Lynn Ely on December 17, 1988; and a sister and brother-in-law, Virginia and Willard Berger. 

Howard was a former member of First Presbyterian Church in Battle Creek. During high school he played basketball and had the nickname “Hoop”. More recently he was called “Doc”. He loved Outlaw Sprint Cars, motor sports and aviation. He was a hard worker with mechanical abilities, a jack of all trades willing to start any project, sometimes finishing with the help of his son(s). He enjoyed long hours at the office, hard physical work, using his chainsaw, mowing the yard and numerous other projects. Howard will be remembered for his firm grip and caring nature. He was close with many of his dental patients and known for his calming chair side disposition. 

Friends will be received 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. Friday, August 9, 2027, at Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Cremation Preneed Care. A graveside service to celebrate Howard’s life will be officiated by Pastor Jon Brashear at Jordan/Fairland Cemetery near Villa Grove, Illinois, 2:00 p.m. Saturday, August 10, 2024; where he will be laid to rest next to his daughter, Jennifer and where the U.S. Air Force Honor Guard will provide military honors. 

Personal messages for the family may be placed here at www.farleyestesdowdle.com.