Ralph M. Howes

HOWES, Ralph M. - Of Atlas, age 86, died Friday, February 14, 2003 at Genesys Health Park. Memorial service will be held at 3PM Sunday, February 16, 2003 at the Swartz Funeral Home, 1225 West Hill Road, Dr. Philip Olson officiating. It was the request of Mr. Howes that his body be donated to the University of Michigan Medical School. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Goodrich Lodge #548, F.&A.M. or Kettering University. Visitation 1PM Sunday until the time of the service, with a masonic memorial service at 2PM under the auspices of Goodrich Lodge #548, F.&A.M. at the funeral home. Ralph was born in Marion, Michigan on March 16, 1916, the son of Alvah and Lura (McDaid) Howes. He married Alice Helen Belford on June 18, 1938. He was a 1937 graduate of GMI. He was a member of the American Society of Automotive Engineers and the American Society of Mechanical Engineers. Mr. Howes was a life member and past master of Goodrich Lodge #548, F.&A.M., a 32nd Degree Mason of the Bay City Consistory and life member of Davison Chapter #299 O.E.S. He attended Atlas Community Baptist Church. He served as a committee member of Boy Scout Troop #100. Mr. Howes was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and uncle. He was well known for his dedication to the Atlas/Goodrich community improvement of schools. He advocated support for better public education and improved public health. Mr. Howes was an automotive engineer at AC Spark Plug Division for 40 years, retiring in 1974. Surviving are wife, Alice Helen; 4 children, Roberta Lee and husband Craig Hardy of Burton, James Allen Howes of Goodrich, Linda Jean and husband Stephen Phebus of New York City, New York, Thomas Dale and wife Susan of Grand Blanc; 8 grandchildren; 6 great- grandchildren; sister, Elsie "Peg" Owen of Burton and sister-in-law, Fay Howes of Albuquerque, New Mexico. He was preceded in death by his parents; 2 brothers, Frank and Henry Howes.