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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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Highly Popular Teacher Ron Finkbiner Passes Away
One of the most dearly loved and respected teachers in Howe's history, Ron Finkbiner, passed away on April 11, 2009. Ron taught history/social studies at Howe for many years during the 70s, 80s and 90s leaving only when Howe was forced to close.

2009-04-12

Dean of Boys, Hank Easter Passes Away
Henry "Hank" S. Easter, Jr. Aug. 29, 1939-Feb. 20, 2009 Henry "Hank" S. Easter, Jr., 69, of Pinellas Park, FL (formerly of Indianapolis) passed away peacefully at the Woodside Hospice in Pinellas Park beginning his journey to heaven on February 20. The proud son of Henry S. Easter, Sr. and Twila Alma Macy Easter, Henry was a retired teacher, coach, and school administrator. He began his career in education at Avon High School where he was the school's first football, wrestling, and golf coach. After two years at Avon, he began a 36-year stint in Indianapolis Public Schools. He was a middle school science teacher, coach, and guidance counselor at schools 61, 67, and 75. He was also a guidance counselor at Wood High School before moving to Howe High School as a dean.

2009-02-25

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Dean of Boys, Hank Easter Passes Away

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Henry "Hank" S. Easter, Jr. Aug. 29, 1939-Feb. 20, 2009 Henry "Hank" S. Easter, Jr., 69, of Pinellas Park, FL (formerly of Indianapolis) passed away peacefully at the Woodside Hospice in Pinellas Park beginning his journey to heaven on February 20. The proud son of Henry S. Easter, Sr. and Twila Alma Macy Easter, Henry was a retired teacher, coach, and school administrator. He began his career in education at Avon High School where he was the school's first football, wrestling, and golf coach. After two years at Avon, he began a 36-year stint in Indianapolis Public Schools. He was a middle school science teacher, coach, and guidance counselor at schools 61, 67, and 75. He was also a guidance counselor at Wood High School before moving to Howe High School as a dean. In 1979, he became a vice principal at Broad Ripple High School, retiring in 1997. For about 100 days in 1991, Henry was the acting principal at Broad Ripple. Henry was the owner of Easter's Golfland in Plainfield from 1985 to 1994. A lifelong golfer, Henry was an active amateur tournament golfer winning his flight of the Indianapolis City Amateur multiple times. He also often played in South Grove's annual Spring Four Ball. Henry grew up on the Westside of Indianapolis and was a very proud 1957 graduate of George Washington High School where he wrestled, played football and baseball. He accepted an athletic scholarship to Indiana Central College (now the University of Indianapolis) where he excelled in football, baseball, golf and wrestling, earning 13 varsity letters and helping his teams win conference titles in each sport while earning his Bachelors Degree. He later earned a Masters Degree in education from Butler University and did many hours of work towards a Doctorate Degree. In 2008, Henry was inducted into the University of Indianapolis Athletic Hall of Fame. Henry was a member of the North Park Masonic Lodge No. 646, loved to play cards, and was active in Civil War round table discussions. He was preceded in death by his parents and daughter, Maria Kay and son, Eric Stephen. Henry is survived by his wife of 47 years, Marjorie (Miller); sons, Gary (Charie) and Jon; sister, Sherry Carver; nieces and nephews; four grandchildren and two great grandchildren. Memorial contributions my be made to the Woodside Hospice of Pinellas Park or to the American Heart Association. Visitation will be Friday, Feb. 27 from 2:00 to 8:00 p.m. with the funeral service on Saturday morning at 11:30 a.m. at Conkle Funeral Home in Speedway. Burial will be at Floral Park Cemetery on Holt Road.
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  • 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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