Donald C. Howard

1923 - 2014

Donald C. Howard Born: June 25, 1923; In Woodstock, IL Died: April 28, 2014 ; In McHenry, IL Donald C. Howard, age 90, of McHenry, died Monday, April 28, 2014 at Fox Point Manor in McHenry. He was born in Woodstock on June 25, 1923, the son of William and Anna (Weber) Howard. Don married Vivian in 1942 and she preceded him in death in 1993. In June, 1995 he married Dorothy Freund. Don graduated from McHenry High School, the class of 1941. He was a member of the National Institute of Dry Cleaning, and was the owner of Mr. Don's Cleaners. He was elected to the McHenry High School Board and was a member for 18 years. On May 10, 1957 Don was elected the first and only Police Magistrate for the City of McHenry. On January 29, 1968, the City appointed Don to the Police and Fire Commission Board where he served for 3 years. He was elected Alderman for the 3rd Ward and was a board member of the City of McHenry Landmark Commission. Don was a member of the McHenry Moose Lodge, having served as Governor. He was president of the Illinois State Fabric Care Association and in 1969 he joined the McHenry Chamber of Commerce asking to be on the Board of Directors. In 1979, Don joined the McHenry Hospital Board and served as secretary during the planning stages of a new hospital. A few years later he was instrumental in setting up a Flight for Life program. He was a member of the Catholic Order of Foresters, the Knights of Columbus, and St. Patrick Catholic Church where he ushered for many years at the 7 AM Mass. He joined the Rotary Club in 1972 and served as President in 1975 and 1976. He also took over the Feed the Ducks Program along the Fox River. On July 17, 2008 he was named the Parade Marshal for Fiesta Days. He also received the Frank Low Award. Don's claim to fame was being Patty of the "McHenry Andrew Sisters" along with Bob Adams and Don Weingart. They performed about 200 times with the help of Denny Conway and Ken Bruce. He loved living on the river, dancing and cruising. He is survived by his children, Ronald I (Clarice) "Cookie" and Terence (Virginia) Howard. Also surviving are grandchildren, Dean (Tammy) Howard, Kristie (Rich) Wimmer, Wendi (Dave) Trebacz and David Howard. Great grandchildren, Ashley (Phillip) Brown, Blake and Cailie Howard, Kyle and Jason Howard, Allison and Corte Trebacz and Mason Howard also survive. He was preceded in death by his first wife and his parents. Visitation will take place at Colonial Funeral Home and Crematory, 591 Ridgeview Drive, McHenry on Wednesday, April 30, 2014 from 4:00 to 8:00 PM, and again on Thursday, from 9:00 AM to 10:15, with prayers being said before proceeding to St. Patrick Church for an 11:00 AM Mass. Interment will be in St. Patrick Churchyard Cemetery. Memorials may be directed to Journey Care Hospice, 405 Lake Zurich Rd., Barrington, IL 60010. Information: 815-385-0063