Dallas Dean Howard

Dallas “Dean” Howard, 65 yrs, of Sylvania, died Saturday surrounded by family at Flower Hospital due to complications from surgery. Born August 24, 1952 in Toledo, OH to Dallas Jack and Neoma Penny (Nicely) Howard. He was a 1970 Whitmer High School Graduate. He had a Bachelor’s in Business from the University of Toledo. He married Linda (Gabringer) in 1984. Dean worked for CSX Railroad System as a Yardmaster for more than 40 years, retiring in 2013. He had a strong appreciation for nature. He designed and cared for native gardens in his yard, for which he won awards from Oak Openings Chapter of Wild Ones. He and Linda traveled the country during the last five years and visited 47 of the 50 states. He loved music, with a special fondness for Merle Haggard, Willie Nelson, and Kris Kristofferson. He was very proud of his son Stephen and together they shared their love for hockey. Both were avid Red Wings fans, but the Red Wings never compared to the joy Dean got from watching Stephen play. Survivors include: his wife, Linda; son Stephen; mother, Neoma Penny Howard; brother David Gary Howard of Temperance, sister Gayle (Frank) Migliori of Oregon; many nieces, nephews and friends. He was preceded in death by his father Dallas Jack Howard. Friends may visit the family on Tuesday from 10:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. at Walker Funeral Home 5155 Sylvania Ave. (west of Corey Rd) where services will be held at 1:00 p.m. Tuesday. Pastor Jennifer Keifer from St. Johns Lutheran Church, Dundee, MI will officiate. The family would like to thank the ICU nurses who cared for Dean at Promedica Flower Hospital. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions for Mr. Howard can be made to the donor’s choice.