Gerry Howard

Gerald "Gerry" Howard II, age 75, of Fennville, Michigan passed away peacefully Wednesday, August 2, 2017 at Spectrum Butterworth hospital in Grand Rapids. Born July 30, 1942 in Lake Charles, Louisiana, he was the son of Gerald and LaVerne (Reimer) Howard. He graduated from Lakeshore High School in Stevensville, Michigan in 1960. Gerry was a US Army veteran serving from 1964-1968. He married his wife of 48 years Janis (Morse) Howard on June 21, 1969. He then graduated from Central Michigan University in 1971 with a Bachelor of Science degree in education. Then furthered his education at Western Michigan University in educational leadership. Gerry worked for Fennville Public Schools as a teacher, coach, principal of the middle school, high school, and director of the migrant program for many years, retiring in 1997. He was a member of the Fennville United Methodist Church, where he served as chairperson of the administrative council. Gerry was an outstanding athlete and was inducted into the Lakeshore High School Hall of Fame in 2010. He continued his love for sports watching his sons play sports during their high school and college years. He once said he attended over 700 athletic contests during that time. Both sons became coaches in basketball and track, Gerry enjoyed watching them coach and taking stats at the games. He then enjoyed watching his grandkids playing soccer, softball, volleyball, and basketball. He loved all kinds of music, including Alabama, Bob Seager, Taylor Swift, Elvis, plus many more. He and Jan were able to enjoy traveling, mostly in the western parts of the United States in the last few years. Surviving is his wife Jan, sons Marty and Jen Howard of Wayland, Cory Howard of Fennville, grandchildren; Coryne, Calyssa, Conley, Maurgan, Gwen, Gavin, Ceeley, his sister Judy Grimmett, also nieces and nephews. Visitation will be Sunday, August 6, 2017 from 3-6 pm, with funeral services starting at 6:00 p.m. at the Fennville United Methodist Church. Officiating will be Pastor Gary Peterson and Pastor Eric Perry. Memorial donations may be made to the Fennville United Methodist Church or the Fennville Public Schools Educational Foundation. An online registry book is available at www.chappellfuneralhome.com

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