Obituary of Walter Floyd Howard

Walter Floyd Howard, age 79 of Owendale, passed away from a long illness Tuesday August 24, 2021 at Huron Medical Care Facility in Bad Axe. Walter was born in Bach on October 31, 1941, the son of Walter and Mildred Howard. He was a graduate of Owendale-Gagetown Area High School in 1960. During his high school years he was a successful athlete and class president, however, the crowning achievement of his high school years was falling in love with Carol Fredenburg, his high school sweetheart and love of his life. They would marry on May 6, 1961, celebrating their 60th anniversary this past May. After high school he would begin working at General Cable in Cass City, during his 37year career he would move up the company ladder spending the majority of his time as maintenance department manager. He also served as a volunteer fireman on the Owendale Fire Department for several decades. Walt had several hobbies, playing bingo, yardwork and gardening, family trips to Tawas, playing cards and spending time with his grandchildren. Besides his love for family, Walt also thoroughly enjoyed serving the Owendale community as Mayor. He would serve 4 years on the village council before being elected mayor in 1980, a position he would hold for his remaining 41 years. During his tenure, Owendale would receive all new sewer and water systems, a new water tower, police car, several park improvement projects, multiple main street improvement projects and paved streets throughout town. The two things in his life he treasured most, his family and his town flourished under his leadership and he will be sorely missed by both. Walter is survived by his loving wife, Carol (Fredenburg) Howard of Owendale; sister, Kay Kling of Bay City; brothers-in-law, Dale Hauck of Bridgeport and Ernie Fredenburg of Arkansas; sister-in-law, Kay Swift of Clarkston; his sons, Arnold (Loretta) Howard of Owendale and Kendall Howard of Owendale; his grandchildren, Derek (Andrea) Howard of Sebewaing, Cody (Kristi) Howard of Marlette, Drew (Stephanie) Howard of Caro, Josh Howard of Royal Oak, and Chase Howard of Owendale; great-grandchildren, Noah, Alivea, Paige, Wesley Walter, Amberlyn, Jackson and Emma; many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Walter and Mildred Howard; mother-in-law, Catherine Fredenburg; brother, Arnold Howard; sister, Anna Mae Swiastyn; sister-in-law, Nancy Hauck; and son, Scott Howard. Visitation will be held from 11am to 8pm, Thursday, September 9, 2021 at the Brookfield Township Hall, 7351 Main Street, Owendale MI 48754. A private burial at Grant Township Cemetery will be held at a later date. To sign online guestbook, visit www.cremationsocietymidmi.com Arrangements made with the Cremation Society of Mid Michigan.