Dale Howard Obituary

Dale N. Howard

Dale Howard, 88, passed away Monday, August 18, 2025, at his residence. He was born July 9, 1937, in Findlay, to the late Dwight and Hazel (Knight) Howard. On June 26, 1960, he married Mary M. Williams, and she preceded him in death July 14, 2016. He later married Carol Lee (Kelly) Hixson, November 26, 2016, and she survives.

Dale was a graduate of Cory Rawson Schools and Ohio Northern University. Dale's love of music started at an early age. Taking trombone lessons from Clifford Hite, Ralph Shell and Lewis Van Haney, he attended many music workshops and clinics at Bowling Green University, Morehead State, Miami University and US Naval School of Music. He was a member of Bugles Across America and a member of the US Army Band at Fort Myer, Virginia. He was a band director for Findlay City Schools, Delphos City Schools and Donnell and Central Junior High. A life member of National Band Association, Henry Lehr Society, Ohio Northern University and Kappa Psi Band Fraternity. He played for three Presidents and two Generals, plus President John F. Kennedy's funeral in the US Army Band "Pershing's Own". He was also a bugler for Hancock County Veterans Memorial Squad. He directed American Youth Symphony on tour to Bermuda and directed many musicals at Fort Findlay Playhouse.

Dale had an agricultural background with farming and doing part-time jobs in the area.

He is survived by his wife, Carol, three stepsons and a stepdaughter.

Visitation will be 2-4 p.m. Saturday, August 23, 2025, at St. Mark's United Methodist Church, where a memorial service will begin at 4 p.m. Full military honors will be conducted by Hancock County Veterans Memorial Squad. Private family burial will take place at a later date.

Arrangements have been entrusted to COLDREN-CRATES FUNERAL HOME.

Online condolences can be expressed to family by visiting coldrencrates.com.