Howard Bennett Honaker

Howard Bennett Honaker, of Ashland, passed away Wednesday, August 1, 2018 at University Hospitals Parma Medical Center at 87 years old. He was born September 24, 1930 in Moorhead, KY., the son of the late Earnest and Lillie (Hardin) Honaker. Howard was a resident of Ashland most of his life. He was a graduate of Ashland High School and attended Ashland College. While in high school, Howard was an athlete active in Football and track. He was also the sports editor of his high school paper and later was a correspondent for both the Ashland Times Gazette and Mansfield News Journal. Howard was employed with Faultless Rubber Co. /Abbott Labs for 48 years where he held various positions before retiring as the Manager of Labor Relations in 2002. He was an active member of the Peace Evangelical Lutheran Church where he was past President of the Church Council and had been past Chair of the Finance Committee. Howard was the Amateur Softball Association State Commissioner for 37 years, guided the organization's national office for two years, was a member of the United States Olympic Committee for four years and International softball Federation Delegate for five years. He was president of the Ashland Little League, Ashland Pony League, and Ashland Colt League. He also managed numerous youth baseball and basketball teams. In addition, he started and founded the National Industrial Recreational Assocation bowling tournament. Howard was Ashland County Sports Hall of Fame Board Member and Inductee, the United Way Drive Chairman Industrial Division, and served as a member of the Elks Lodge and the Eagles Club. Howard was an avid fan of attending all his grandchildren's sports and school events. On June 14, 1952, Howard married Kathleen "Kitty" (Shank) Honaker who survives. Also survived by his children, David F. Honaker of Ashland, Richard L. (Sandra L.) Honaker of Trevor, WI., Pamela (Tim) Tegtmeier of Wooster, and Randy (Lisa) Honaker of Westerville; his 10 grandchildren, Chad Honaker, Jeffrey Honaker, Hayley Marth, Heather Lewis, Andrew Honaker, Allison Honaker, Abigail Rathmann, Ashleigh Malec, Christy Gray and Jon Tegtmeier; along with his 30 great grandchildren. In addition to his parents Howard was preceded in death by his siblings, Thomas Honaker, Robert Honaker, Alfred Honaker, Chester Honaker, Floyd Honaker, Elizabeth Brewer, Harvey Honaker, Martha Stepp, Earnest Honaker and Grace Ricer. Funeral services will be held at Peace Evangelical Lutheran Church Monday, August 6, 2018 at 4:00 P.M. with Pastor Karen Liddy and Pastor Richard Beal officiating. Burial will follow at Ashland Cemetery. Friends may visit with the family on Sunday, August 5, 2018 at Heyl Funeral Home from 3:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M. and also one hour prior to the service at the church. Memorial contributions may be made in Howard's memory to the Cat House Feline Sanctuary Inc. 1130 E. Main St., No. 136 Ashland, Ohio 44805 or to United Way of Ashland County 132 West Main St. Lower Level, Ashland, Ohio 44805. For those who may not be able to attend services expressions of love and sympathy may be made to the family at www.heylfuneralhome.com