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William M. Howard

1938 - 2020

William M. Howard obituary, 1938-2020, Saline, MI

BORN

1938

DIED

2020

FUNERAL HOME

Robison-Bahnmiller Funeral Home & Cremation Services

301 East Michigan Ave.

Saline, Michigan

William Howard Obituary

Howard, William M. Saline, MI William "Bill" Marland Howard, age 81, passed away Sunday, August 2, 2020 at home in Saline, MI surrounded by his loving family. Bill was born on September 7, 1938 in Ann Arbor, MI, the son of Marland and Geraldine (McNight) Howard. Bill graduated from St. Thomas in Ann Arbor, MI in 1956. While a student he lettered, was Captain, and was also All City in three sports: football, basketball and baseball. He married the love of his life, Ellen Catherine Benner on October 3, 1959. She preceded him in death in 2016 after 58 wonderful years of marriage. Bill had a varied and busy career and life path. Bill was a member of the Army Reserves. He graduated with a degree in banking, and went on to teach banking at Eastern Michigan University. He worked his way up the ladder from Bank teller to Senior Vice President, from Ann Arbor Bank to Citizens Bank of Saline (Key Bank). After he retired from banking, he worked as a truck driver in farming. Bill went on to become the proud owner of Maplewood Lanes Bowling Alley, Saline, MI from 1979 to the present. On top of that Bill was involved in many Fraternal and philanthropic clubs. The Elks, The Moose, The Eagles, the South Eastern Kiwanis Club of Ann Arbor, Knights of Columbus, member and President of Saline Hospital Board, Rotary Club of Saline, and 35 year member and past president of Bogie Busters golf league, Tuesday nights at Brookside Golf Course. F.O.S. (Friend's Of Sam) private Saturday morning club in Saline for many years until it closed. He was also a member of the Bois Blanc Island Club of the North Shore of Bois Blanc Island. Although not a founding member, Bill was welcomed by the Club in 1974 and was the last surviving original member. Many wild and maybe true stories and fun times were at deer camp. Bill's other great passion in life was poker and cribbage. He was excellent at both and played most of his life with his long time best friends. Bill's greatest passion was traveling with Ellen and her sisters and brothers-in-law. They traveled the United States and the World and visited almost every continent. One of Bill's favorite accomplishments was in Ireland, kissing the Blarney Stone! Survivors include his children, Ann Marie Howard of Milan, MI, David Marland Howard of Chicago, IL. Brother, Pat Marland Howard and (Laurie) of Pinckney, MI. Sister-in-law, Lucy (Benner) Les McCartney of Mt. Airy, MD, Peggy (Benner) Clorety of Crownsville, MD, Phylis Benner of MD. Nieces and nephews: Marla (Howard) Scott Mueller of Ypsilanti, MI, Michael Howard of Wolf Lake, MI; Peter McCartney of Las Vegas, Greg McCartney of Mt. Airy, MD, along with many more nieces, nephews and cousins. Most of all Dad's best friends, Willie and Nelson. Bill had so many life long great friendships. He made a lasting impression on everyone he met. He leaves a lasting legacy of respect, hilarious stories, kindness, and that goofy grin. Dad was truly a gift. Burial was held privately in the Oakwood Cemetery in Saline, MI. Memorial contributions in his name may be made to Saline Social Services, 224 West Michigan Ave, Saline, MI, 48176. To leave a memory you have of Bill, to sign his guestbook, or for more information please visit www.rbfhsaline.com.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Ann Arbor News from Aug. 7 to Aug. 9, 2020.

Memories and Condolences
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Beth Nieman

August 23, 2020

Ann, So Sorry for the loss of your father. You & your family have been in my prayers since I heard.

Harvey Lebeau

August 16, 2020

David & Ann
My heart goes out to you on the passing of your Dad. I know he has had a rough couple of years and he is at peace now. Bill and I go WAY BACK, elementary through High School graduated in 1956. We played a lot of sports and both made All City Team in Ann Arbor We continued to be friends to the end. Bill offered me a job in Banking which only lasted “31” years. A lot of those years we worked together. Thanks Bill

Bill Bracey

August 11, 2020

Miss you my friend. God bless
Already been some north shore toast in your memory.

Bill Crispin

August 11, 2020

Bill will be missed by a lot of people in Saline.He was a very nice person he would do anything for anybody Rest In Peace Bill.

Samantha Frankford

August 9, 2020

He will be missed... hugs to you both!

Ted Letsis

August 9, 2020

Bill worked at my mom and dads grocery store when there were still “corner grocery stores”. Ah, the good old days!! Rest In Peace Bill.

John Shultis

August 9, 2020

Really going to miss you buddy!!!! Long time friend from high school

Sharon shaw eisele

August 8, 2020

So sorry to hear of Bill's passing. He was a good guy with lots of stories and always had a good time with the guys from kiwanis on their trips up north. He will be missed by many. May he rest in peace.
Sharon Shaw Eisele and Dale Eisele

Sheila hyde

August 8, 2020

Oh Bill! I’m going to miss your “ grumpy” old man act, you were a real softy
My heart is broken

Tom & Lisa DeWolfe

August 8, 2020

We are so sorry about your loss ❤

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Funeral services provided by:

Robison-Bahnmiller Funeral Home & Cremation Services

301 East Michigan Ave., Saline, MI 48176

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