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Math Teacher Justin Rehm Passes Away
Justin G. "Juddy" Rehm 78, St. Paul, IN, died July 21, 2011. He was born April 28, 1933 in Shelbyville, IN to Ernest Rehm and Mabel Updike Rehm. He was preceded in death by parents; brother, Richard Rehm; sister, Marjorie Rehm Steinaker. He is survived by five nieces and three nephews. He graduated from St. Paul High School, Hanover College with a BS in Mathematics. Before receiving his Master's Degree he had also taken courses at UCLA. He was a member of Beta Theta Pi fraternity, while attending Hanover college.

2011-07-21

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Much-Loved Counselor/Teacher Arnold Nelson Passes Away
Arnold Nelson, the much-loved teacher, counselor and Director of Guidance for Howe has passed away. His obituary follows:

2011-06-11

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Robert J. Alexander ('41) from Howe's First Graduating Class Passes Away
Robert was in the first graduating class of Thomas Carr Howe High School in 1941 where he was the first Governor. He attended Butler University in Indianapolis and Hamilton College in Utica, NY.

2009-06-07

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Louis P. McEnderfer Memorial Service Set for September 10

By: Various Friends/Students

Words of Appreciation from Friends/Students/Family

I am one of those "chosen" that God allowed Uncle Louie to touch and guide my personal life. My values, education, and sense of respect for life came directly from my mentoring by this wonderful person, teacher, and special friend. I suspect many of us can relate to those feelings, thus I cannot claim any special ownership, only knowing my life and successes were somewhat a direct attribute of this wonderful person. Again with all my heart and soul, we have lost a great inspirational leader, but are so enriched beyond words, financial values, or successes to have been touched with his laughter and deep voice of an eternal friend.
-- James P. Alender President & CEO Howard Regional Health System, Howe class of 1969
THE MUSIC MAN—Louis P. McEnderfer

In thinking about what I want to say to honor my former grade school and high school band director, it strikes me that whatever I say will not be enough.

Words just cannot sufficiently describe my fondness and respect for Louie.

Louie taught me how to play the clarinet at Public School #82. He would come to give me my weekly lesson at School #82, and it was there that I first realized that he not only wanted to see me play in Howe High School’s band, but that he truly cared about me as a youngster as well.

He’d snap those fingers like a metronome, to push me forward at just the right clip, while I was playing whatever it was he assigned me to play. When I’d not practiced enough, I could see it on his face. The next week, I certainly did not show up unprepared two weeks in a row. His expectations of me were much greater than that, and I did not want to see him disappointed in me. There was just a quality about Louie wherein you sensed he wanted you to be all that you could be. Perhaps the military slogan, “Be all that you can be,” actually was created by one of Louie’s former band students. It wouldn’t surprise me if it were the case.

I recall in high school how I began at the back end of the clarinet section and steadily progressed forward into the top chair my senior year in high school. (Thank you Vicky Nicholson for not challenging me, or I’d never have had the honor.)

Mr. McEnderfer trusted me to lead one of the key marching formations on the football field one night. I’ll never forget it. I could not find the yard marker, so I continued to march forward looking for it, until I came to the end of the field. What a dilemma! I was stunned when my feet hit the black asphalt of the track that surrounded the football field, but I continued onto the other side of the track into the grass. The creek was in front of me. Everyone had followed behind me, so the formation was ruined. Mr. McEnderfer had such “a look” when I got back into that band room after the football game had ended. I can still hear his comment to me: “What in the world were you doing DULIN? I thought you were going to lead my band into the creek.” Well, needless to say, my marching leadership ended right then and there.

Another memory that comes to mind is when I played my first serious clarinet solo in Howe’s Spring Concert. My Dad, who attended very few of my school events, even went to hear me play. He knew I was terrified about the solo, and certainly had heard about my marching band formation debacle earlier in the school year, so I think he thought he should make extra effort to attend for moral support. Right before the band was to begin playing the piece of music with my solo in it, I looked out and saw my Dad literally sink down into his chair. I could tell he was bracing himself for my fearful rendition. I told myself right then and there that neither my Dad nor Mr. McEnderfer would be disappointed in me tonight. I played that piece better than I’d ever played it. Mr. McEnderfer had nothing but praise for me when I got back into the band room that night. Again, I’ll never forget his words to me: “Good job DULIN; I knew you could do it.” Louie gave me the opportunity to both overcome my fear of playing solos, while at the same time, allowed me to have the thrill of victory, to offset the agony of defeat when I missed the yard marker earlier in the year.

The Spring Concert was my last clarinet performance. I still recall cleaning out my band locker, grabbing my clarinet, and walking up to Mr. McEnderfer to say goodbye. I’d stalled so that I could tell him good bye privately. After all, I’d known him since grade school and would be leaving him behind, as I headed off to Ball State. While I don’t recall the specifics of this last conversation with Mr. McEnderfer, he would often tell my husband and daughter that he recalled me as the student who had cried about leaving high school, band, him, and their friends behind. He’d then laugh that most students could not wait to get out of high school quick enough, so that seemed to tickle him that I’d been emotional about it.

I’d gotten very close to Louie since the Howe H.S. band reunion/Louie’s 80th birthday party three years ago in June. I’d email him regularly, and I’d always send him an electronic greeting card every week on Wednesday. It was my way of checking in on him, since I could tell when he opened my card up. When Louie passed on August 8 (Monday), I had his card waiting on him to open up on August 10 (Wednesday). Of course, it was never opened. Dave, my husband, stopped by my office that very day to tell me in person that when he stopped by to check in on Louie, he noted newspapers not picked up in his mailbox. When he stopped by the apartment complex office, he was told Louie had passed that previous Monday.

Every time I hear a band or orchestra play, I will continue to think of you, Louie. Thank you for loving the performing arts and sharing this love back to me and all of your other music students, so that we have this same love/appreciation of the performing arts that you did throughout your lifetime. Your legacy will live on in our hearts for years to come.

You were THE MUSIC MAN to me!

God Bless you Louie!

-- Patti (Dulin) Quiring, Howe class of 1970
Louis P. McEnderfer, long-time band director at Howe High School and mentor to generations of Hornet musicians, died at his home in Indianapolis on August 8, 2005. He was 83.

Here ends any resemblance to a traditional obituary, for in truth I do not know “just the facts” information required for a standard obit – date of birth, length of service at Howe, list of survivors… What I do know are things of the heart, countless stories of the man some of us affectionately called “Uncle Louie,” French Horn player, inveterate joke teller, passionate musician, great teacher, and of late, great friend.

I reconnected with Louie about five years ago when I got an email from him at my workplace. The subject line read “Retainer.” The message said: “Put that damn thing back in your mouth! Do you remember? Louie.”

I thought, is this some kind of joke? Some urban Internet rumor making the rounds of cyberspace? Hadn’t my mother told me several years earlier that Mr. McEnderfer had passed away?

I emailed back: “Is this really Mr. McEnderfer? My mother told me you had died. Are you still alive?”

“Call me Louie,” he wrote back, “and no, I am not dead.”

“I can’t believe you wrote that to him, Jerry!” fumed my mother over the phone a few days later. “You must have really offended him.”

Fortunately, I did not offend him. We began an off-and on email correspondence that lasted until very recently. It turns out he was a steadfast emailer to many former students and a regular visitor to the Howe Alumni website.

In his next message he reminded me of the “Retainer” story, which I had forgotten. Now I remember. It was freshman year and I was at the end of the line, last chair snare drummer behind the upperclassmen. We were playing a symphonic piece, perhaps the “Overture to Lohengrin” or another of the Wagner pieces he loved so well. The drum music looked liked hundreds of measures of rest notes and two or three bars where one of us got to “ding” the triangle or lightly sound the cymbal, followed by a hundred more measures of rest. Not a thrilling part for aspiring young percussionists. Give us “Procession of the Nobles” by Rimsky-Korsakov or some other piece with thundering tympani and crashing cymbals and a whole line of snare drummers pounding out a cadence that stirs the blood and sets your feet a-marching.

I’m not sure what my fellow drummers did – nor did they pay any attention to a freshman at the end of the line – but I took the orthodontic retainer out of my mouth and laid it on my snare drum and yawned. Somehow Louie saw it, stopped the entire band and said with a laugh, “Jerry, put that damn thing back in your mouth!”

Oh my God, how could I have forgotten? And how did he remember after all these years? His memory was phenomenal. A few years ago when my brother Steve (’67) and I visited him in his apartment in Indianapolis, he told Steve a corny joke that Steve told him more than 40 years ago! His punch line was perfect and his timing impeccable.

Not long after we reconnected, I got an email from Patti (Dulin) Quiring ’70 inviting me to join an 80th birthday celebration in Louie’s honor. I was delighted to participate. I flew up from Charlotte, NC, where I lived at the time, and my brother Steve flew in from Colorado. We were among 30 or so former band members spanning three decades who came to celebrate Louie’s 80th birthday party in June 2002. But we didn’t just gather. We played a concert, sight-reading old charts of Howe songs, University of Michigan fight songs plus a few more selections. The highlight of the event was a Bach trumpet duet performed by Ed Cord ’67 and Rick Dawson ’71.

No, I take that back. The highlight was seeing Louie again in person after so many years, paying tribute to a great mentor and friend and musician, one of the giants of the Howe High School of old.

My last contact with Louie was in June 2005 after he had been hospitalized in late May. I sent him a note via snail mail, but never heard back directly. I did hear later from Patti that he cried when he read my note. Soon after, he was able to return to his apartment, where he died on August 8.

Now it is my time to cry… and to celebrate his life. I miss you, Louie. Thank you for inspiring me, for teaching me, for praising me and gently chastising me when I needed it. Thank you for stopping an entire band rehearsal to tell me to put my retainer back where it belonged. I am a better person and a better musician because you were in my life. Pax Vobiscum.

-- Jerry Stockdale, freelance writer and musician living in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Tryon, NC, Howe class of 1969
Mr. McEnderfer (yeah, he told me to call him Louie, too, but it was always difficult for me) had that wonderful timing of a stand-up comedian, the acerbic wit of a Don Rickles, and the compassion to use each at just the appropriate time. I think that, more than anything, I was afraid of disappointing him. He could yell at me all day, and I could take that. I just couldn't stand thinking that I'd disappointed him.

I could go on about how much he meant to me personally as a teacher, but I would bet that each of us feels the same. When Lou spent time with me, I felt as if I were the most important student he had ever taught. Of course, it didn't have anything to do with me; he made everyone feel that way. And he even gave us the right to start feeling like adults, telling us jokes that were just enough "off color" to make us feel that we were old enough to engage in that type of banter with an adult. Do you remember his favorite poem, which started, "When the frost is on the pumpkin"...? Decorum prohibits me from completing the line here.

He started corresponding with me a couple of years before the 80th birthday party. I looked forward to the letters, and found myself wanting to "brag" to him about my musical accomplishments. Never mind that my day gig is as a clinical social worker -- I wanted him to know about all of the music I was playing, and with whom.

What a great guy. I guess I didn't realize until I was writing this just how much of a "second father" he was to me! . I will really miss him. Thanks for writing such a wonderful tribute. And, by the way, I had also heard somewhere a few years ago that he had died. I was talking with my mom and Pop Watkins' wife one day in my mom's living room and asked when he had died, and Mrs. Watkins said, "why, he isn't dead; where did you hear that?" So, you weren't alone.

-- Rick Dawson, Howe class of 1971
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  • Family of Rebecca "Becky" Lynn Ewing ('77)

    • Rebecca "Becky" Lynn Ewing 51, precious daughter of Preston and Leila Ewing departed this Earthly life and went to be with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Monday, January 10, 2011. She was a beloved sister of Steve (Debbie) Ewing, Marty (Margie) Ewing, and Kathy (Ron) Jackson. She dearly loved her nephew Steven and his wife Patti and great-nephew Noah. She was extremely fond of animals especially her goldendoodle, Max, and she enjoyed socializing with friends at the dog park in Beech Grove. Becky was a devoted daughter, sister, aunt, and granddaughter. She was a loyal and trusted friend and was special to many aunts, uncles, and cousins. She was a graduate of Thomas Carr Howe High School, Class of 1977. Her employers included Eastern Airlines (stewardess), Kroger Corp., Taylor's Bakery (cake decorator), Polaris Labs and most recently Airtron (customer service manager). Becky fought a courageous fight against breast cancer for over 3 years and constantly relied upon the Word of God for strength and peace. She was a selfless warrior and most of her prayers were for those she loved to become saved and learn to trust in the Lord. She will be greatly missed until we are reunited in our heavenly bodies. Visitation will be at Little & Sons Funeral Home, Stop 11 Road Chapel, 4901 E. Stop 11 Road, from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, January 13, 2011. Burial will be private. A memorial service will be held at Living Word Bible Church, 6306 Gray Road, at 6:00 p.m. on Friday, January 14, 2011. Memorial contributions may be made to Living Word Bible Church or St. Francis Hospice. www.littleandsons indianapolis.com


  • Family of Lyssa "Roseman" Miner ('79)

    • Lyssa passed away on December 29, 2010 in Florida after a long battle with Crohn's disease.


  • Family of Janet (Crowmer) Lerner ('52)

    • Janet passed away on January 5, 2011


  • Family of Mark Storm ('78)

    • Mark passed away 12/27/2010 of a massive heart attack.


  • Family of James C. Jones ('85)

    • James C. Jones 44, of Indianapolis, passed away December 16, 2010 in a motor vehicle accident. He was born September 19, 1966 in Peru, IN to Thomas E. and Karen L. Jones. Jim graduated from Thomas Carr Howe High School. He was a truck driver for the past 20 years, most recently with Quick Way Carriers, and was a member of Teamsters Local Union #135. Visitation will be Monday, December 20 from 12:00 p.m. until time of services at 2:00 p.m. at Shirley Brothers Irving Hill Chapel, 5377 E. Washington St. Jim is survived by his loving parents, Tom and Karen Jones; daughter, Elizabeth Jones; sister, Anne Watkins, husband, Brad and their children, Keltsey and Bryce; grandmother, Marjorie Griefe; and his beloved cat, Boom Boom. Memorial contributions may be made to the Make a Wish Foundation of Indiana, 7330 Woodland Drive, #201, Indpls., 46278-1736.


  • Family of Richard "Dick" Harpold (teacher, coach and student, '60) and Dallene (Francis) Harpold

    • Dick's mother passed away.


  • Family of Robert Dills ('56)

    • Robert passed away on Saturday, November 20, 2010


  • Family of Tommie Hooks: Rhonda (Hooks) Tyner ('79), Theresa (Hooks) Richart ('83) and Kimberly L. Hooks ('85)

    • Tommie W. Hooks 71, of Indianapolis, passed away October 22, 2010. He was born July 3, 1939 in Anderson, IN, to the late George and Anna (Brown) Hooks. Tommie was a semi-truck driver for B.D.P Manufacturing for 30 years, retiring in 1990. He enjoyed his grandchildren's ballgames, fishing, and being with family. Visitation will be Thursday, October 28, 2010 from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m., at Shirley Brothers Washington Memorial Chapel, 9606 East Washington St., with funeral services Friday at 12:00 noon. Tommie is survived by his loving wife of 51 years, Sharon; children, Rhonda (Harlan) Tyner, Theresa (Andy) Richart, Kimberly (Greg) Clayton; grandchildren, Ryan, Drew, Ami, Natalie, Jordan, and Ben. A son, David Hooks; and three brothers, John, Carl, and Wayne Hooks, preceded him in death. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the charity of choice.


  • Family of James "Jay" Boeldt ('80)

    • John "Jay" Boeldt, artist, age 48; husband of Wayne Franklin; father of Daniel Boeldt Franklin; son of Gwen (Jerry) Dean, nee Barnett and Jack (Janet) Boeldt; brother of Cindy (Gary) Farber and David (Tonya) Boeldt; uncle of Courtney and Kristen; also survived by many cousins, aunts, uncles, step brothers and sisters, friends, neighbors and fellow artists; previous partner of the late Jim Lyons. Graduate of Howe High School in Indianapolis and Herron School of Art at Indiana University- Purdue University, Indianapolis. Previous owner of Plan B Gallery in Forest Park and resident artist at Catawampus Gallery in the Flat Iron Building. Volunteer for numerous groups including Homes Elementary School PTO, Damien Center Indianapolis and Hostelling International, Chicago. A celebration of Jay's life will take place at the following dates and locations: Friday, October 8, memorial visitation from 5 p.m. until time of service 7 p.m. at the Flanner and Buchanan Funeral Center, 635 E. Market Street, Indianapolis, IN 46202, and on Sunday, October 10, from 2 to 5 p.m., a celebration of Jay's life will take place as a show of his artwork at Stephen Daiter Gallery, 230 W. Superior, 4th Floor, Chicago. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Daniel P. Franklin Scholarship Fund, P.O. Box 942, Oak Park, IL 60303-0942. Info Cremation Society of Illinois 1-800-622-8358.


  • Family of Ray Hulce (teacher and head of the Foreign Language Dept)

    • Raymond "Ray" Nelson Hulce 83, of Indianapolis, passed away April 24, 2010. He was born June 10, 1926 to the late Clifford E. and Lillian M. Swindler Hulce. Ray graduated from Marion High School and Indiana University, where he received his Undergraduate and Master's Degrees in Education. He served in the 101st Infantry Division of the U.S. Army, during World War II. Ray worked for Howe High School, where he was a teacher and foreign language department head. He worked in education for 30 years. Ray was a member and Deacon of Irvington Presbyterian Church. Visitation will be held Wednesday, April 28, 2010 from 2:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m. at Shirley Brothers Thompson Road Chapel, 3333 E. Thompson Rd., with funeral services to follow at 4:00 p.m. Ray is survived by his wife of 57 years, Alice E. Schaeffer Hulce; daughter, Amie Napier; son, Greg Hulce; and six grandchildren, Lyndsay, Travis, Abbey, Jasmine, Sarah and Jimmy. Memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer's Association.


  • The Family of Jacqueline (Freers) Stahl ('48), Mike ('77) and Toni ('76)

    • Jacqueline A. Freers Stahl, 79, Indianapolis, passed away Friday, April 23, 2010. Jacqueline retired from the Marion County Medical Society where she published their annual membership roster. She was a graduate of Butler University. Survivors include her son, Michael (Lisa) Stahl; daughter, Toni (Bill) Jones; brother, Howard P. Freers; grandchildren, Taylor & Brittney Stahl and Ryan and Amanda Jones.


  • Family of Sally Jane "Sarah" (Shields) Mitchell ('49)

    • Sally "Sarah" Jane Shields Mitchell 78, succumbed to cancer on Wednesday, April 14, 2010. She was born on December 16, 1931, in Abilene, Texas, as an only child to the late Harriett (Clark) Shields Presuitti and James Shields. Sally was raised in Seymour, IN. Her family later moved to Indianapolis. Mrs. Mitchell graduated from Howe High School in 1949. She was married to the late Harry R. Mitchell for 54 years. Sally retired from the Plainfield Community School Corporation after 23 years of service. Sally was an active chartered member of Hope United Presbyterian Church in Plainfield, Indiana. She enjoyed being a part of her beloved granddaughters' lives. Sally also enjoyed going out to lunch with her many friends and enjoyed reading a good book. Survivors include daughter Wendy J. Mitchell, Hammond, IN; son and daughter-in-law Michael A. and Mary Kay Mitchell, Indianapolis, IN; daughter and son-in-law Polly and Don Landis, Plainfield, IN. Granddaughters Bobbie Jo Hayes (fiance Brian Silvas), Schererville, IN; Rachel and Sarah Landis, Plainfield, IN; Kristina Mitchell, Indianapolis, IN. She was preceded in death by her husband Harry R. Mitchell and granddaughter Emily Ann Landis. Memorial contributions in Sally's name may be made to Hope United Presbyterian Church 1331 Section Street, Plainfield, IN 46168 or VNS Hospice of Indiana, https: www.vnsi.org dona.asp. Calling hours will be held on Friday, April 16, 2010 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Hall Baker Funeral Home, 339 East Main Street, Plainfield, IN 46168. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, April 17, 2010 at 11:00 a.m. at Hope United Presbyterian Church 1331 Section Street, Plainfield, IN. Online condolences can be made to the Mitchell Family at: bakerfuneralservice.com


  • Family of Jonnie Ray Basham ('63)

    • Jonnie passed away April 5, 2010.


  • Family of Mary Dietz ('64)

    • Mary passed away recently.


  • Family of James A. Powell ('70)

    • James A. Powell 57, of Leesburg, formerly of Indianapolis, passed away March 5, 2010.


  • Family of Betty Jean Moon Cowan ('46)

    • Betty Jean Moon Cowan 80, passed away on January 31 2010 in Indianapolis.


  • Family of Diana Walters Dorset ('88)

    • Diana passed away on 1-31-10 of cancer leaving a husband and 5 children.


  • Family of Russell F. Corey ('47)

    • Russ passed away January 4, 2010. Born in Indianapolis, he graduated from T.C. Howe High School in 1947. While in high school, he worked in the Irvington Bakery and after high school he worked for Costin Standard Service Station. He joined the Air Force in December 1950, and when he left in December 1954, he was a Staff Sergeant and had been the Crew Chief on 4-engine jets. He returned to Costin's as a mechanic and bodyfender repairman (his first love was always auto body repair work). In 1960, he met and married the love of his life Gloria Corey and they started Corey's Auto Sales and Service. They raised boxers for awhile and then began owning and showing Standard Schnauzers. In addition to the dogs, Russ had many other and varied interests: he owned a cabin cruiser that he and Gloria cruised up and down the Ohio River and docked at Madison, IN; he flew his 4-seater Cessna that he kept at Mt. Comfort Airport; he belonged to the Prospect Masonic Lodge #714 F.& A.M.; and was a vested member in the Indianapolis Valley of the Scottish Rite and was a Noble with the Murat Shrine. He and Gloria also danced many years with the Don Rene Dancers. Russell was preceded in death by his parents, Russell and Sophia Corey; his wife, Gloria Corey; sisters, Martha Kime and Mary Gottschalk; and brother-in-law Bernie Cox. He is survived by his step-daughter, Cara Ittner; sister, Jesse Cox; several nieces and nephews; and his beloved standard schnauzers, Rocky and Honey. There will be no calling or service. Memorial contributions may be made to the donor's choice of charity, or the Humane Society of Indianapolis, 7929 Michigan Road, Indianapolis, IN 46268.


  • Family of Connie Hinsch Alexander ('64)

    • Connie passed away 12/30/2009 from complications of COPD/cancer. Connie was mother to Skip Alexander ('85) and Laura Alexander ('92)


  • Family of Donald Ray Montgomery ('61) and Jane (McCallip) Montgomery ('58)

    • Jane passed away in Sept. 2009


  • Family of Lionel (Sonny) Chandler ('46)

    • Lionel passed away 12-11-2009


  • Family of Henrietta L. Larison (food services worker)

    • Henrietta L. Larison age 83, of Indianapolis, passed away on Tuesday, December 22, 2009. Henrietta attended the Woodside Methodist Church. She retired after 20 years of service from Howe High School, working in Food Services. Henrietta was preceded in death by her husband, Dillard (Larry) Larison. She is survived by her sons, Warren, Bob, and Garry Larison; 2 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren.


  • Family of Philip Vernon Vogel ('52)

    • Philip Vernon Vogel age 75 beloved husband and father slipped away to be with his Lord and Savior on November 30, 2009. He joins his mother, Lola Vogel; father, Vernon Vogel; and beautiful sister, Barbara Franklin, all who has preceded him in death. He is survived by his loving wife of 54 years, Mary (Boston) Vogel; and his children, Dawn and husband Dale Durchholz of Bloomington, IL, Philip Kelly and wife Diana Vogel of Indianapolis; also his three adored grandchildren Alexandra Paige Durchholz, Ian Philip Vogel and Cameron Boston Vogel. He was also a proud uncle to his nieces and nephews. Before retiring in 1993 because of his health, he was a 54 year member of Local 18 Heat and Frost Insulators of Indianapolis. Proudly working on many Indianapolis landmarks including the AUL building and North Central High School. Phil had many friends from his Howe High School Class of 1952. He and his fishing buddies enjoyed fishing in Canada, Minnesota and the Great Lakes and bring back fresh fish. Phil also enjoyed Euchre, Bridge and Gardenin


  • Family of George Stout ('76)

    • George's brother Wesley (45 years old) died unexpectedly on Thursday. His untimely death has left the family devastated, asking a lot of questions, and wishing they could turn back time.


  • Family of Cameron ('63) and Carol ('67) Greenwood

    • Carol passed away suddenly on October 23. http://www2.indystar.com/cgi-bin/obituaries/index.php?action=show&id=109530&GID=/EyOj98LUzGuoqXQ5dy9lpij/NDB7CpwHJ9Fu23G0wQ%3D


  • Family of James A. Kuykendall ('77)

    • "He died very quickly, and left his wife, 2 daughters, his Dad, brother Scott, and step-mom behind. Samantha (a.k.a. Sammy) is still in Highschool, but Alexandra is in college, on the way to Doctor-dum." - Good friend Dan Lind ('77)


  • Family of Anthony (Tony) Gomez ('74)

    • The Gomez family just lost Lisa ('77) in the past year or so. Tony's wife preceded him in death so please keep his children in your thoughts and prayers. http://www2.indystar.com/cgi-bin/obituaries/index.php?action=show&id=109047


  • Family of Brenda (Allgood) Walton ('67)

    • Brenda Walton (Allgood) passed away on Sept 10, 2009 She fought hard with her battle of lung cancer.


  • Family of Charlene M. Beck Massey ('62)

    • Charlene M. Beck Massey July 17, 1944 – September 19, 2009. She was the daughter of Vernon and Elizabeth Beck, both whom have preceded her in death. Charlene was a 1962 graduate of Howe High School, a member of the the Greenfield Christian Church, and for the last four years she sang in the choir and inspired and loved all she knew, the National Federation of Republican Women, a member of the Cumberland Town Council from 1999 to 2005, a 20 year member of White River Sound (Chapter of Sweet Adeline's International), she received the Outstanding Award for Music in 1996, an Attendance Award in 1993. She loved singing with her chorus and was a special friend to all she sang with, she also was president of the Glen Oak's Homeowners Board from 1994 to 1999. Charlene was employed by Mt. Vernon Community School Corp. for many years. She touched the lives of children and teachers and loved her work as a substitute teacher. She was a past member of the Warren Hills Christian Church for 25 years, where she raised her family and made sure they went to church. She fought cancer for the last five years, never complained, never got down and always was there for everybody around her. A special thanks to Joanie and Claudia, her doctors, nurses, and personell at I.U. Cancer Center and to her very good friends, Dr. Abanour and Gina Kramer. Charlene was loved by everybody she met and was a special lady to all her family and friends. Elaine and "The Pool Club" will miss her dearly, but will keep her memory alive. Charlene and Jerry had a very special marriage that truly was meant to be. All because two people fell in love! She is survived by her loving husband of 34 years, Jerry Massey; her children, Cassi Hooker, Penny Eltzroth (Larry), Steven Hooker (Sherrie), Kimberly Holden (Robert), Brent Massey, Cammi Hooker; special friend and daughter, Debbie Piotrowski; ten grand-children; three great-grandchildren; sister, Debbie Lynn; brother, Jerry Beck;many friends and extended family; special pet, "Muffin."


  • Family of Mary Cathleen (Cope) Garrette ('83)

    • Mary Cathleen Garrette 44, beloved mother, daughter, sister, aunt and friend passed away September 4, 2009. Mary was born February 1, 1965 and is survived by her daughters, Melody and Michaela Garrette; her mother, Bette Cope; and siblings, William Cope, Randall Cope, Becci Fletcher, Brian Cope, Mark Cope, Brett Cope, Beverly Gullett, Truman Cope; 19 nieces and nephews; and seven grandnieces and grandnephews. She was preceded in death by her father, Robert Cope, and one brother, Paul Cope. Mary was a graduate of Thomas Carr Howe High School and was employed with Community Hospital East for 26 years. A memorial service will be held Monday, September 7, 2009 at 2:00 p.m. at Good Shepherd United Methodist Church, 2015 S. Arlington Ave, 46203. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that contributions be made in Mary's honor to Casting for Recovery www.castingforrecovery.org and or the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation www.komen.org. Arrangements entrusted to Shirley Brothers Washington Memorial Chapel.


  • Crenshaw Family (Diane '70, Allan '73, Kevin '77, Mary '80)

    • The Crenshaw family in the death of their mother, Betty Jane Crenshaw. Betty Jane Crenshaw 86, Indianapolis, passed away on Saturday, August 29, 2009. She was born in Batesville, IN on August 12, 1923 the daughter of Earl and Bertha (Schott) Kleiner. She is survived by her husband of 64 years, Ralph Crenshaw; sons Paul, Allan (Linda), and Kevin (Doreen) Crenshaw; daughters Diane (Terry) Mullis and Mary Gillespie; 10 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren. Betty lived for her family, and never had an unkind word for anyone. She was a member of Irvington Presbyterian Church.


  • Family of Robert J. Alexander ('41)

    • Robert Alexander was in the first Howe graduating class (1941). Robert was the father of 8 who all attended Howe as well.


  • Family of Teacher Ron Finkbiner

    • Ron passed away barely a year after his beloved wife Judy passed away. Ron was a social studies and history teacher at Howe during the 70s, 80s and 90s. Please keep all of his students and friends in your thoughts and prayers.


  • Family of Henry "Hank" Easter (Howe Dean of Boys)

    • Henry "Hank" Easter, former dean of boys, passed away on February 20, 2009 in Pinellas Park, FL.


  • Lisa (Figg) Beaumont

    • Lisa is back in Community Hospital East after suffering a second heart attack. She is reported to be in good spirits. submitted by: Deb Lewis ('79)


"Musings" by John Ervin
Popular, Long-time English teacher and English Department Chair John Ervin has kindly agreed to provide us periodically with some musings about his time at Howe. Those are featured here in our "Musings" column
FRIENDS I REMEMBER FROM HOWE
I shall not put these in order of importance as all are important to my memory.

I have already mentioned Frank Tout, Bruce Beck and Ellen O’Drain, but their names will, no doubt, come up again.

Let me mention Pat Friedly, one of the best English teachers I ever knew. Hard working, enthusiastic, low key, and unafraid to tackle any problems or situations; that was Pat. She attracted the bright students, but handled the others with aplomb.
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Special Reports
"Laud of the Ring"

Pam Chavis (shown with sons Jesse and Kyle) spent many months trying to locate the owner of a high school ring which her mother, who had recently passed away, had kept for 52 years. In the end her amazing search was successful and she happily returned the ring to its flabbergasted owner, Howe high school graduate Paul Grissom ('48).

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Charles DeBow, Howe teacher, one of the original Tuskegee Airmen

This is a picture of the original Tuskegee airmen. It was submitted to me by Howe alumnus, James Neel from the class of 1958. James posted a message on the board asking whether a teacher who taught in the 50s at Howe named Charles DeBow might be the same Charles DeBow who was one of the original Tuskegee airmen. He and I both started researching and found that the Charles DeBow from the airmen was listed as being from Indianapolis, IN!

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