Daniel G. “Dan” Howe, 83, of Orlando, FL, peacefully passed away on December 6, 2023, He was born in January 1940 in Auburn, Indiana, to George and Marie Howe. Along with brother Kenneth, the family moved to Fort Wayne where Dan graduated from South Side High School, played on the 1958 state champion basketball team, and maintained a lifetime of valued friendships with his childhood teammates and friends.
Dan continued his basketball career at The Citadel before enrolling at Ball State University, where he played basketball and volleyball, competed in the National Volleyball Tournament, and earned his bachelor’s. He later earned his master’s from the University of Saint Francis.
Prior to enrolling at Ball State, Dan met his future wife of over 60 years, Beverly Reyer, had two children, son, Daniel, and daughter, Lisa, and three grandchildren, Daniel “Reyer”, Charles, and Harrison. Dan had immense pride in his family and was excited to meet his great granddaughter who is due in April 2024.
Dan discovered what would be one of the greatest joys of life when he started playing golf at age 13 while he worked at Foster Park Golf Course. His passion grew and his handicap shrank. He had multiple holes-in-one, won tournaments and outings, and played some of the most renowned golf courses in the world.
Dan worked for Fort Wayne Community Schools as a teacher and coach at Kekionga Junior, Central, Northrop, and Snider High Schools and as principal and “Chief” at North Side. During the early years of integration, he built bridges within the Fort Wayne community. He was deeply committed to the school providing unwavering support and encouragement to the students and faculty making North Side a proud place to teach, work, and go to school.
Dan served on the Indiana High School Athletic Association Executive Committee, City of Fort Wayne Metropolitan Human Relations Commission, and numerous scholarship and educational boards and foundations.
In retirement, Dan enjoyed golfing, socializing, and making cherished, new friends at Heritage Oaks in Sarasota, eating ice cream at Disney, watching his grandchildren grow, marry, win their own state championships, and be smart and funny. Most importantly, he was given deep, unconditional love and support.
Dan was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his wife, Beverly; son, Daniel Howe; daughter, Lisa (Chris) Onopa; grandchildren, Daniel “Reyer” (Maddy) Howe, Charlie Howe, and Harrison Howe; brother, Kenneth Howe, and loving nieces and nephews. A memorial gathering will be held at D.O. McComb & Sons Funeral Home Maplewood Park, 4017 Maplecrest Road, on Friday, December 15, 2023, from 2-5 pm. The Memorial Service will take place on Saturday, December 16, 2023 at 10 am at D.O. McComb & Sons Funeral Home Maplewood Park, 4017 Maplecrest Road, with a memorial gathering from 9 am until service time. Please join the family for an informal celebration of Dan’s life, following the memorial gathering, at Sycamore Hills Golf Club, 11836 Covington Road, Fort Wayne, IN 46814.
Memorial contributions can be made to FWCS Foundation, 1200 South Clinton Street, Fort Wayne, IN 46802.