Richard J. Howland

Richard J. Howland, 88, of Mishawaka, passed away Saturday, January 24, 2015, in Memorial Hospital of South Bend.

Richard was born July 5, 1926 in Dowagiac, Michigan, a son of the late Harry and Attela (Muinch) Howland. He lived in Mishawaka since he was an infant. He served his country in the US Navy during World War II.

Richard was firefighter with the Mishawaka Fire Department for 22 years, retiring in 1970. He was known as “Spuds” at the department. He then worked for Christianson Furniture for 18 years, retiring in 1988.

Richard was a member of the Indiana and Mishawaka Firefighters Associations. He belonged to VFW Post #360. Richard enjoyed flower and vegetable gardening, fishing and cooking. He was an avid University of Notre Dame sports fan. He enjoyed attending many of his grandchildren’s activities.

Richard married Ellen Coffey on July 18, 1964. She preceded him in death in 2007. He was also preceded in death by a son, Kenny Howland; a step-son, Gene Adkins; a brother, Paul Howland; and three grandchildren, Greg, Sandy and Robbie Adkins.

Richard’s surviving family includes three children, Larry (Sharon) Howland of Mishawaka, Richard (Dottie) Howland of South Bend and Mariann (Harry) McPhail of Osceola; a step-son, Bob (Mary) Adkins of Osceola; twelve grandchildren, Staycie Howland, Stephanie Hostetler, Kim Stephens, Kenny Howland, Jr., Keri Roberts, Joshua Howland, Jacob Howland, Alan McPhail, Ed Adkins, Cookie Holland, Richard Adkins and Cassandra Howland; and many great grandchildren and great-great grandchildren.

Services honoring Richard’s life will be held at 11 am on Wednesday, January 28, in Goethals & Wells Funeral Home, 503 W. 3rd Street, Mishawaka, with Pastor Bob Vale officiating. Entombment will follow at Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens, Osceola. Military Honors will be provided by VFW #360 / American Legion #161 Burial Squad.

Visitation will be from 4 - 7 pm on Tuesday and 10 - 11 am on Wednesday in the funeral home. Mishawaka Fire Department Honor Guard will be present.

Memorials are suggested to the charity of the donor’s choice.