Thomas Howe

Mr. Thomas Michael Howe, 68, passed away Nov. 8, 2008, at St. John's Medical Center in Santa Monica from myelodysplastic syndrome. Formerly a resident of Simi Valley, he was a resident of Helendale.

He was born Oct. 21, 1940, in Henrietta, Ohio. He was formerly a purchasing agent retired from Silgan Plastics in Valencia. He was a member of the Lion's Club; Dapper Dan of Disneyland and Disney World from 1970 to 1978; a 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.

He is survived by his 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, son Michael Howe and daughter-in-law Sheila of Van Nuys, and Jason Howe of Simi Valley; grandson Sean and granddaughter Sage Vercos of Venice, step-granddaughter Samantha Ewer of Valparaiso, Ind.; siblings Dorothy Shobe (Robert) of North Ridgeville, Ohio, Nelson Howe of Walterboro, S.C., David Howe (Shirley) of Vernon, Conn., Rachel Hitt of Wayland, N.Y., Steven Howe (Linda) of Spokane, Wash., and Mrs. Phillip Howe of Jessup, Md. He was preceded in death by parents, Nelson T. and Rachel C. Howe, of Ohio, sister Carol Henselin of Orlando, Fla., and brother Phillip Howe of Jessup, Md. He is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews, extended family, and many loving and caring friends.

A celebration of life memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 22, at Silver Lakes Community Church, 14776 Smithson Road in Helendale, with Pastor Mark Wood officiating. Another family celebration of Tom's life will be held in Henrietta, Ohio, in June 2009.

Memorial donations may be made to Silver Lakes Community Church, City of Hope (for myelodysplastic syndrome and/or stem cell research).

California Cremation Centers handled the cremation.