Ernest John "Ernie" Howard

Ernest John Howard, 88 of Battle Creek, Michigan died Friday, April 3, 2020 at Calhoun County Medical Care Facility from complications of diabetes, with his wife at his side.

Ernie was born November 11, 1931 in Lansing, Michigan, the only child of Ernest and Frances Myrtle (Briggs) Howard. He was raised in Battle Creek and was a 1949 graduate of Battle Creek Central High School. Ernie attended the University of Michigan and served in the U.S. Naval Reserves. He was employed as a Mortgage and Loan Officer beginning with People's Savings & Loan in Battle Creek, later serving as an officer in other Savings & Loans in Michigan and Minnesota before returning to Battle Creek. He owned Dawn Donuts in Urbandale for a short while before joining Michigan National Bank as a Mortgage and Loan Officer as well as Real Estate Appraiser. After retiring from MNB in 1987, Ernie used his skills to open his own business, Howard's Appraisal Service, with his wife Dorothy.

Ernest J. Howard was united in marriage to Dorothy Jane Aitken on January 14, 1951 at First United Methodist Church in Battle Creek, the same church where his parents were married in 1928. Ernie knew Dorothy from 7th grade on, fell in love with her after graduation, and the two have been inseparable ever since.
Surviving are his wife, Dorothy; three children, David B. Howard, Pastor Michael A. (Linda V.) Howard of Battle Creek, Ann (Rick) Thorpe of The Villages, Fla, and daughter-in-law Brenda K. Howard; nine grandchildren, Joshua (Sarah) Howard, Daniel (Christine) Howard, Michelle (Matthew) Lake, Melinda Howard, Stefanie Howard, Kevin Howard, Greg Thorpe, Dawn (John) Dye, and Rick (Jenny) Thorpe; and 24 great-grandchildren. Ernie was preceded in death by his parents and two great-grandchildren.

Ernie was a member of Battle Creek Evangelical Friends Church, the Board of Realtors, the Society of Real Estate Appraisers, and the Rental Property Owners Association. He loved spending time with his grandchildren, working in his garden, listening to Ernie Harwell announce for the Detroit Tigers, and following U of M sports. For many years they had season tickets to UofM football games. For Ernie and Dorothy's 50th wedding anniversary, their family donated a commemorative brick with their names on it to the UofM Alumni Entrance. Ernie always had a dog (or two) that needed walking and spoiling. He also enjoyed family camping, wintering in Lakeland, Florida, eating out, and playing cards with his buddies, who dubbed themselves "The Harper Creek PTA". Ernie and Dorothy traveled to his father's birthplace in England and met cousins for the first time. They were still in England when Princess Diana's tragic death occurred. Also memorable were their cruises to Hawaii, Alaska, the Panama Canal, and the Caribbean. During his 5 years at Calhoun County Medical Care Facility, he enjoyed being Resident Council President, playing Bingo, and attending the many activities offered, all while confined to a wheelchair. He was loved and admired by all the residents and staff for his big smile and can-do attitude.

Ernie had a vast knowledge of many things, and was a lifelong learner, historian, and storyteller. Ernie will always be remembered as "Honest Ern", a lovable gentleman with a gift for intelligent conversation.

Due to the COVID-19 virus, a service will be held later when it is safe for Ernie's family and friends to be together and celebrate Ernie's life.
Memorial contributions for Ernie Howard may be made to CityLinC Ministries, 70 Calhoun Street, Battle Creek, MI, 49017. Arrangements are by Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Home & Cremation Care. Personal messages for the family may be placed here at www.farleyestesdowdle.com.