Obituaries

David C. Howard of Chelsea, Michigan, formerly of Saginaw and Dexter, age 89, died Saturday, October 18, 2025, at Chelsea Retirement Community. He was born September 21, 1936, in Fort Wayne, Indiana, the son of Claude S. & Helen (Stopher) Howard.

Dave graduated from Ft. Wayne Southside High School in 1954. He met Mary Ann Hasty at Ball State Teachers' College where he received his BA in Social Science/Economics/English and eventually earned his MA degree in Economics from Indiana University, in 1965. Dave served in the Indiana National Guard. He taught Economics at Delta College in University Center, MI (near Saginaw/Bay City). Dave & Mary Ann volunteered together at Habitat for Humanity, which was a love of theirs to give back to their community. They were long time members of State Street United Methodist Church in Saginaw, before relocating to the Dexter/Chelsea area of SE Michigan. Dave was always very active in the United Methodist Church.

Dave was an avid reader. He also had a period where he collected and assembled model railroads – he was always intrigued by trains and train travel and regularly sought out those types of attractions in his and Mary Ann’s travels. One of their highlight trips was a long RV caravan vacation that featured driving through Canada to reach their destination of Alaska.

On June 21, 1958, he married Mary Ann Hasty, and she survives. Other survivors include 3 children, Scott (Allyson) Howard of Winter Springs, Florida; Suzan (Brian) Shay of South Lyon, Michigan; and Luke (Eileen) Howard of Eau Claire, Wisconsin; 9 grandchildren, and 7 great-grandchildren.

Dave had two older brothers, Walter Howard and Arthur Howard, who have both predeceased him.

A memorial service will be held Wednesday Oct. 29th, at 2:00 pm at the Towsley All Seasons Room at the Chelsea Retirement Community (805 W Middle Street, Chelsea, MI, 48118) with Rev. Joy Barrett officiating. The family will receive friends beginning at 1:00 pm at the same Towsley location in CRC. Following the memorial service, a light reception will be held in the adjoining room at Towsley.

Memorial contributions may be made to Elara Caring Hospice Foundation, PO Box 58, Jackson, MI 49204. Please note "for Jackson Branch" in the comment section of the online donation form.

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