Add a Memory
Make a Donation
Edward Kean Obituary
Kean also penned the theme song to which millions of American children sang along each week during the show's run on NBC from 1947 to 1960.
Kean died Aug. 13 at a nursing care facility in the Detroit suburb of West Bloomfield Township from complications of emphysema, Reddy said.
The New York City native wrote the song "It's Howdy Doody Time," which was sung during the show's opening. He had a major role in developing the characters and their personalities, and created the exclamation, "kowabunga," made popular by one of the show's characters and borrowed by Bart Simpson, the animated problem child on the long-running comedy "The Simpsons."
"He influenced a whole generation of kids through his writing," Reddy said. "He was a p rolific writer. He would take his typewriter, even on the road."
As for the freckled-face title character, Howdy Doody took on some of Kean's character traits.
"He created Howdy, kind of in his image, from his background and how he treated people," Reddy said.
Kean's run as writer for the show ended in 1954.
Copyright © 2010 The Associated Press
81 Entries
J. Diane (Kean) Smith
February 7, 2018
Howdy Doody was my favorite!u! I did not know til a few weeks ago when I researched the origin of "kowabunga", that Edward Kean was the primary writer if the show and "originator" of the word! As a result, I am interested in his geneology, as I grew up as J. Diane Kean (maiden name), in Pittsburgh, Pa.
If you would have any information on Edward, I would like to continue my search, as I found there are not too many of us with the surname, K E A N.
Karen Breitenstein
September 8, 2010
May you R.I.P. Mr. Kean. My 4 sister's and I enjoyed watching your shows. Those were the good ole' days! Even though I am 60 years young, it seems like yesterday that I watched your show. My condolences to the Kean Family.
sheldon gofberg
September 5, 2010
"It's time to end the show...so kids...let's go!" Rest in peace Mr. Kean and my sympathy to the family..
kermit arnold
August 30, 2010
I'll always remember......."Hey kids,what time is it"
How you can show support
August 28, 2010
Thanks for the wonderful memories of Howdy, Buffalo Bob, Princess Summer Fall winter Spring, Chief Thunderthud,and even Phineas T. Bluster.
Patricia Boyer
August 28, 2010
My condolences to the Kean family. I spent many a Saturday watching the Howdy Doody Show. This was one of the best times of my youth, 62 years young.
I have books and a puppet of Howdy Doody, that I kept through the years. Such happy memories!
Too bad the children of today couldn't experience the pleasure of such shows of yesterday.
May you Rest In Peace, Edward Kean.
allison bowe
August 27, 2010
i will always also remember that howdy doody and the famous song i give my condollances to the kean family at this sad time in there lives
JD
August 27, 2010
The Howdy Doody show was one of the highlights of the day, when I was a kid. We loved to sing the song. May the God of comfort be with the family, who promises a better life at Revelation 21: 3 & 4.
Cindy L.
August 27, 2010
I will always remember Howdy Doody and his famous song and all the joy it brought to me and I'm sure to millions of other kids. "Kowabunga Mr. Kean," which today means Rest in Peace and Thank-you. Condolences to all his loved ones.
Pamela Rackley
August 27, 2010
Mr Kean made a good impact on many people with the show Howdy Doody. We need more great men like him today . To the family and friends of Mr Kean may God bless you through these difficult times.
August 26, 2010
Our family sends our sincere condolences.
We pray that you receive comfort from your precious memories.
Alex & Wendy
Bonnie Bachmann
August 26, 2010
I am one of Howdy's peanut gallery wannabees who is saddened by Mr. Kean's passing. God Bless you dear sir for contributing to one of the sweetest, most innocent and of course entertaining children's shows to grace a TV screen...ever.
August 25, 2010
To the family: May the comfort from family and friends strengthen you during this difficult time, and may you find comfort in the words found in the Holy Scriptures: "And he will wipe out every tear from their eyes, and death will be no more, neither will mourning nor outcry nor pain be anymore. The former things have passed away."
BOB CARNEY
August 25, 2010
WE NEED A MAN LIKE YOU TODAY TO BRING BACK JOY TO OUR WORLD! EDWARD MADE MY LIFE SO MUCK HAPPIER. IT GAVE ME ESCAPE FROM A POOR AND ABUSIVE YOUYH. THERE WILL BE MANY ANGELS, TO WELCOME YOY TO HEAVEN!
P.
August 25, 2010
Dear Family, I am so very sorry about the loss of year dear loved one. May the thought at Job 33:25 give you comfort in knowing that Mr. Kean will return to the days of his youth and be able to enjoy life without the infirmities of old age. My sincere condolences to you.
August 25, 2010
yvonne,smith
barbara kravitz
August 25, 2010
Thank you for making my childhood so bearable....Mr. Kean...you can never know the scope of happiness you brought to so many kids who had to live with the post war trauma before it was even diagnosed.....
Russ McKay
August 25, 2010
I toured the set of Howdy Doody...Mr. Kean wrote the lyrics but the theme tune was "Ta Ra Ra Boom Dy A"
L. Reed
August 25, 2010
We loved Howdy Doody Time! What fond memories of my family and I watching the show. May knowing others care give you a measure of peace. May God who see your tears and pain of heart strengthen and comfort you all. For He is near to those that are broken at heart;
And those who are crushed in spirit he saves.
Barbara Dube
August 25, 2010
To Mr.Kean's family, Your father must have been a wonderful man to know and love given the spirit that came out in his writings. Do you know how many trivia challenges I have won by knowing the name of Princess Summerfallwinterspring? Howdy Doody was my favorite tv show growing up and I still try to remember lessons learned on that show. May the Lord bless each and every member of his family along with his friends. With prayer, Barbara Dube Tolland, Ct.
Alan Belanger
August 24, 2010
I can still sing the whole song "It's Howdy Doody Time" and I am 73. I can picture it in my mind. Thanks Mr. Kean you made a lot of us very happy.
August 24, 2010
Was my favorite show when I was little. He was a great writier. Not many like him now. He will be missed. Always wanted to be in the Peanut Gallery. May God bless your family. Sorry for your loss. MIss his show.
Donna O'Hanlon-Miller
August 24, 2010
Thank you so much for Howdy Doody. I am one of the peanut gallery. He is etched in my mind forever. The show helped make me who I am. May God comfort your loved ones but you will live on.
August 24, 2010
Thank you for your friendship and the wonderful years we spent together on the Howdy Doody show. We send our love and wish you peace.
Rhoda Mann & Bob Winkler
Tom Smith
August 24, 2010
May the God of all comfort, bring comfort to the family and friends of Edward Kean. We can all look forward to the time when everyone in God's memory will rise and live without any tears of sorrow and death because He promises that the formal things like death, will pass away.
August 24, 2010
The Peanut Gallery, will live on forever!!
Tom Pillion
August 24, 2010
Great show, great characters, great song, great man, great memories. Thank you, Ed, and God Bless You.
D. Homan
August 24, 2010
Thank you for the memories!
God bless you Mr. Kean and be with your family at this difficult time.
Edward Hutchison
August 24, 2010
Hey kids, what time is it?
A time to be sad.
Harry Dooly
August 24, 2010
I send out kindest thoughts and prayers to the family of dear Ed Kean. I was dumb struck with sadness to read of his passing.
RIP dear Howdy buddy. I still remember the song and all those characters. Thanks for the memories! Shalom Mr Ed.
May the Eternal Light shine upon him.
I watched Howdy Doody as a child, and was so impressed with this heroic little dummy that I had red freckles tatooed all over my cheeks, when I was sixteen. I still have naturally red hair, so I actually look a lot like little Howdy, even at 68.
I dress only in jeans and checked shirt with a neck scarf. I try to act up to the high moral standards of Ed and Howdy.
Greg Williams
August 24, 2010
I ditto everyone, what a great show, I grew up with Buffalo Bob. You presented so many good things to our generation. God bless you and your family
Mike Wertz
August 24, 2010
Edward Kean, We grew up with Howdy Doody and we thank you for the Memories. God Bless you and your family. The Howard Park Social gang of Baltimore, MD.
james willner
August 24, 2010
MAY THE ETERNAL LIGHT SHINE UPON HIM.
Susan
August 24, 2010
My sympathy to the family of Edward Kean. Howdy Doody was one of my favorite shows as a kid. I still remember the song and all the characters. Too bad kids these days don't have shows like Howdy Doody to enjoy.
J. Miller
August 24, 2010
Thanks for the memories! One of my favorite shows in my youth! My condolences to the family. Thanks for sharing him with the rest of us.
Andy
August 24, 2010
"It's Howdy Doody time, it's Howdy Doody time, Bob Smith and Howdy Doo, say howdy do to you ... Let's give a rousing cheer, 'cause Howdy Doody's here, it's time to start the show so kids ... Let's Go!"
Shalom, Mr. Kean!
Jack Leone
August 24, 2010
My sincere Condolences to the family of Ed Kearn. We will never see shows like the shows of the past. I was a real favorite of the "Howdy Doody" show. May you rest in peace !!
Ralph E. MacLeod
August 24, 2010
To the Edward Kean family; I am one of the lucky people who was inspired to be a happy caring person by Ed Kean. I still own a Howdy Doody Piggy Bank. My family has had this for over 55 years.I still sing It's Howdy Doody Time" I'm 61 years old... Talk about making an impression!! Thanks Mr. Kean
Blonde John
August 24, 2010
Mr Kean, Thank you for your creative way of teaching all of us 50s kids how to brush our teeth, be kind to animals, go to be bed on time, listen to our parents and look before crossing the street... You taught America how to be civil and kind, and how to get ready for our future...There will never be another one quite like you! I know you and Buffalo Bob Smith are sharing your memories with the angels now... A peanut-gallery with wings! Bless you Sir!
veronica mozer
August 24, 2010
To The Family
l loved the show and espically the theme song I am seventy So its
get to have something that was clean and made sense
Mrs Mozer
Les Breese
August 24, 2010
Kowabunga! How many of today's "Baby Boomers" like me have "It's Howdy Doody Time" ingrained as a beloved addition to our collective memory! For this, Mr. Kean will always live on in our hearts. My sincerest condolences to his family and friends.
David Nielsen
August 24, 2010
To the family and friends of Mr. Kean, my deepest sympathies. I grew up watching Howdy Doody and reading the messages on the condolences remember so much. The program gave the children so much hope and fun. Something the young people of today are being robbed of with the programing that is being presented to them.
May the LORD comfort those who mourn greatly.
August 24, 2010
may the father of tender mercies and the God of all comfort strength you in your time of need....1 Cor.2:3,4 Ann, Alanta,Ga.
M. Tice
August 24, 2010
We were so sorry to hear of your loss. The thoughts of many are with you at this time of sorrow.
Sherry Robinson
August 24, 2010
Thank you for all the wonderful memories you brought to so many of Howdy in our childhood. Rest in peace dear soul.
James
August 24, 2010
Job well done, Mr. Kean. I knew the Howdy Doody intro word-for-word as a child, and you made me smile and laugh with it. My sympathies to your family, sir.
Howard Banks
August 24, 2010
Came home from my first hospital experience in 1949 having just lost my tonsils (likely unessesarily)throat coated with vanilla ice cream, very sore. Howdy was on and the first words I was able to speak were the words written by Mr. Kean. My dear Mom cried. Thanks for your life's work! This 66 year old prays for your family.
Bob Bigner
August 24, 2010
...And the character on the show was Chief Thunderthud..."kowabunga Buffalo Bob"....what memories...R.I.P.
August 24, 2010
Love'd the Howdy Doody show! Have a photo in my home signed by Buff. Bob, when he was living here in my hometown...my thoughts and prayeres are with the family. Judy from Washington Co. Maine
Marianne Rinaldi
August 24, 2010
Your work brought me such joy as a child watching Howdy Doody with my beloved Grandfather. Thank you! RIP
R Golay
August 24, 2010
To the the family of Edward Kean - May God give you peace and comfort through his word and the Lord Jesus Christ during this time of sorrow, I know that Edward will be missed by many.
August 23, 2010
My condolences to to wthe family, we will never forget howdy doody and all the gang. Rest in peace.
Mary T. Victoria, Texas
Janice Hildebrand
August 23, 2010
My sympathies to freinds and family. How wonderful it must have been to be the creator of the Howdy Doody show. I'm sure he had a rich life just knowing the joy he brought to millions. We used to have a Howdy Doody plate and my brothers and I fought over who ate dinner on it. My mother would always greet my friends when they came over with a "Howdy Doody". The show was just a big influence on all of our lives back then.
Bill
August 23, 2010
I'm 59 and grew up with this show as kid. It was a classic part of an 'Age of Innocence' The fun was pure and genuine. Something the kids today cannot relate with. Thank You Mr. Keen! The memories of "Howdy Doody" will last forever!
George Waldbusser
August 23, 2010
My condolences to family and friends. I'm 63, so I grew up with that show. Even now, as I recall it, I smile. Mr. Kean made such a great contribution to the lives of so many.
Nancy
August 23, 2010
The joy of the Lord had to be in the heart of Mr. Kean! He was used mightily of the Lord to add joy in the hearts of so many of us that were blessed to be children during the 50's. The 'Howdy Doody' song and show will live in our hearts forever - thanks, Mr. Kean!
August 23, 2010
My sincere condolences to the family of Edward Kean may you find comfort in the days ahead.Perhaps in the quiet of the evening you might read John5:28,29.
Shirley
August 23, 2010
I remember Howdy doody I was just a little girl he is a part of my childhood memories May the God of all comfort and tender mercies be with you in yopur time of grief.
August 23, 2010
Parents all over the world owe this man a debt of gratitude. May he rest in peace.
Mike S
August 23, 2010
Every once in a while I'll start singing the "Howdy Doody Song" while I'm at work and 99% of the people look at me as if I have gone crazy. When I tell them the story of the show, they all want to hear more.
August 23, 2010
i am 59 years old and still remember watching howdy doody. my howdy doody spoon is in my jewelry box with other childhood mementos. that show was such a great part of my childhood. thanks mr kean
August 23, 2010
Gods speed Ed Kean. You gave my generation such pleasure in our youth. It is such a shame younger people today only have hate, crime and violence to entertain them....
Til Tomorrow,
Bob Cox
bill barnes
August 23, 2010
clarabel the clown knew my dad he got me on the show once! buffalow bob was great to us kids thanks for your part in that show
Betty Shafer
August 23, 2010
I am 68 years old and remember coming home from school and watching Howdy Doody on TV. Condolences on your loss.
August 23, 2010
To the family and friends of Mr. Kean ....I am sorry for your loss may the God of all comfort and tender mercies be with the famiy as they grief...2Corinthians 1:3,4
Bill C
August 23, 2010
I'm 60 & can still sing the song! God bless Mr. King!
Victoria~ VZj
August 23, 2010
sweet story of inspiring
days when life was so serene
~why its Howdy doody time~
so long Edward thank you for
sharing your ideal fun time
memories condolences`
GodBless MrEdwardKean of the
Howdy Doody time inside
promotions of live tv.shows~
August 23, 2010
Thank you so very much for such fond memories of my childhood. God Bless you Mr. Kean.
Jan Walley
August 23, 2010
I still have a little HOWDY DOODY silver spoon. Almost the length of an iced teaspoon, with the HOWDY DOODY head at the top. Hope I always keep it!
Margaret
August 23, 2010
So saddened Mr. Kean has passed away. He played such a big part in my childhood, and his song still comes to mind often even now in my adulthood. R.I.P. and Thank You Mr. Kean.
longa fann
August 23, 2010
it's howdy doody time.
it's howdy doody time.
buffalo bob and howdy too
are waiting at the pearly gate.
they will usher Ed through.
to all he is due.
i know he can hardly wait.
Gail Siegel
August 23, 2010
My heartfelt condolences to the family of Edward Kean for their loss.
Thank You, Mr. Kean, for your contribution to my childhood memories. I was once in the Peanut Gallery and I had an awesome time.
Rest In Peace, Edward Kean. You will be remembered by the Peanut Gallery.
August 23, 2010
howdy doody would serve the youth of today well....too bad they will never know the simple pleasure of a saturday morning and the howdy doody show
Patsy Toledo ohio
August 23, 2010
I remember the Howdy doody song.
My condolences to your family.
August 23, 2010
I cried the day they took howdy doody off . every saturday at 10am hey kids what time is it r.i.p. donnie mcallister
linda weaver
August 23, 2010
god bless u and may you rest in peace....spent many days watching howdy doody time
Tom McCarron
August 23, 2010
Thank you, Ed, for your valuable contribuiton to a big part of my childhood. Howdy Doody was the highlight of my Saturday morning. I still remember the last show in 1960 when Clarabell talked. Classic Television.
My heart goes out to the Kean family and friends on this tragic loss.
norma
August 23, 2010
Chief Thunderthud, Princess SummerFallWinterSpring, DillyDally, and and Mister Bluster--and of course Howdy and Buffalo Bob. Such a simple concept--"It's Howdy Doody Time".
It's time to end their show-Clarabelle shed the tear--remember?
With sympathy to his family.
Victoria~Andrew VZj
August 23, 2010
Rest with peaceful
Condolences..
He made sure no one
left his sight withought
kindness of inside a
smile of joy with Laughter~
In memory of~Mr.Edward kean~
BARBARA RICHARDS
August 23, 2010
MAY GOD BLESS HIS FAMILY.
Barbara Richards
August 23, 2010
I'M SO SORRY TO HEAR ABOUT THIS. I WATCHED I'TS HOWDY DOODY TIME AS A KID.MY PRAYERS GOES OUT TO HIS FAMILY.
Showing 1 - 81 of 81 results
Make a Donation
in Edward Kean's name
How to support Edward's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Edward Kean's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read moreMore ways to support the family
Visit the Sympathy Shop
Sponsored