Thomas Michael Howe

1940 - 2008

Mr. Thomas Michael Howe, 68, of Helendale, Calif. (formerly of Simi Valley) passed away from Myelodysplastic Syndrome, at St. John's Medical Center, Santa Monica, November 8, 2008. He was born in Henrietta, Ohio, October 21, 1940.

Mr. Howe was a Ventura County resident for 29 years, coming from Ohio. He was a purchasing agent retired from Silgan Plastics in Valencia.

Clubs, affiliations, hobbies and activities: Lion's Club; Dapper Dan of Disneyland and Disney World (1970 1978); founding member of the Conejo Valley Chapter of the Barbershop Harmony Society (formerly known as S.P.E.B.S.Q.S.A.) in 1963, former member of the Simi Valley Chapter, Valleyaires Chapter and Apple Valley Chapter of the Far Western District; member of Silver Lakes Community Church and Choir; "Boots & Slippers" square dancing group in Simi Valley and "Thunderbirds of Apple Valley" square dancing group; former member of Simi Valley Presbyterian Church and Choir, also attended Simi Covenant Church. Tom began singing barbershop at the age of 10 and sang all four parts. He also coached in the Bobby Sox softball and AYSO soccer leagues in Simi Valley.

The youngest of eight children, Tom graduated from Firelands High School in Birmingham, Ohio, in 1958, and played french horn in the All Ohio Boys Band.

Tom enjoyed singing, dancing, golf and spending time with his family and friends.

Survivors: Wife of 41 years, Diana Howe of Helendale; daughter, Jill Howe-Vercos, M.A., MFT and son-in-law Michael Vercos, M.S., L.Ac. of Venice; sons Michael Howe (Sheila) of Van Nuys, and Jason Howe of Simi Valley; grandson, Sean; and granddaughter, Sage Vercos of Venice; step-granddaughter Samantha Ewer of Valparaiso, Indiana; Siblings Dorothy Shobe (Robert) of North Ridgeville, Ohio, Nelson Howe of Walterboro, South Carolina, David Howe (Shirley) of Vernon, Connecticut, Rachel Hitt of Wayland, New York, Steven Howe (Linda) of Spokane, Washington, and Mrs. Phillip Howe of Jessup, Maryland. He is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews, extended family, and many loving and caring friends.

Mr. Howe was preceded in death by parents, Nelson T. and Rachel C. Howe of Ohio; sister, Carol Henselin of Orlando, Florida; and brother, Phillip Howe of Jessup, Maryland. Memorial/Celebration of Life Service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, November 22, 2008 at Silver Lakes Community Church, 14766 Smithson Road, Helendale, CA 92342. Officiate: Pastor Mark Wood.

Another family celebration of Tom's life will be held in Henrietta, Ohio in June 2009.

Memorial contributions: Silver Lakes Community Church, City of Hope (for Myelodysplastic Syndrome and/or Stem Cell Research)