Ralph E. Howes, 96, of La Porte, passed away on Thursday, September 13, 2018 at his home. Ralph was born in Chicago, IL, on December 25, 1921 to Edward B. and Katherine (Bethig) Howes. On February 1, 1947 in La Porte, he married Margaret S. Zwerg who preceded him in death.
Also surviving are his son, Ralph F. (Karen) Howes of La Porte; daughter, Barbara Howes of Indianapolis; three grandchildren, Jonathan E. (Renee) Howes of La Porte, Jennifer L. (Jonathan) Witherbee of Carmel, IN, and Matthew D. (Cari) Howes of Indianapolis; four great-grandchildren, Evan and Kate Howes, Benjamin and Sophie Witherbee. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Margaret of 66 years; 2 sisters, Katherine Richardson and Freida Kelley. Ralph was a 1940 graduate of La Porte High School, he then went on to receive his Bachelors Degree from Purdue University.
Ralph was involved in the ROTC Program and also served honorably in the US Army during WWII. He was awarded the Silver Star for valor in action on March 16, 1945 in Germany. After the war, he operated a small family farm from 1947-1963.
He began his teaching career in 1960 teaching 6th grade at Door Village. When the school systems combined with La Porte, he transferred to Johnson Road School which was later renamed Crichfield Elementary. Ralph became principal there until his retirement in 1985.
After retiring he was the Supervisor for Student Teachers for more than 10 years. Ralph was a member of the La Porte Lions Club starting in 1982 and was involved with the Lions Alert Program. He was also a member of First United Methodist Church of La Porte, Michigan City Municipal Band, La Porte County Sheriffs Merit Board from 1993-2015, and was a generous supporter of the Pioneer Village at the La Porte County Fair Grounds and La Porte County Small Animal Shelter.
Ralph was an avid and passionate cyclist logging over 120,000 miles on his bike throughout his life. He enjoyed gardening, IU Basketball, and the Chicago Cubs, but most of all he enjoyed time with his family and friends. A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 11 AM (CT) on Tuesday, September 18, 2018 at Cutler Funeral Home and Cremation Center with Pastor Evan Lash officiating.
A time of visitation will be held from 4-8 PM (CT) on Monday, September 17, 2018 and from 10 AM (CT) on Tuesday until the time of the service at the funeral home. Interment will take place at Pine Lake Cemetery with full military honors following the service. Memorial contributions may be directed to the La Porte First United Methodist Church, 1225 Michigan Ave.
, La Porte, IN 46350 or the La Porte County Small Animal Shelter, 2855 Hwy 2, La Porte, IN 46350. Condolences may be shared with the family online at www. cutlercares.com.
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