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Robert J. Alexander ('41) from Howe's First Graduating Class Passes Away
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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
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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
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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.
2009-02-25
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"Laud of the Ring"
In late July of 2003, I (your webmaster, Kevin Friedly) received an email from a Pam Chavis concerning a high school ring she had in her possession. Her mother had just passed away and in the process of going through her things, she located the ring. Her mother had told her about the ring but her mother didn't know who the owner was. She indicated that she kept it hoping to someday locate the owner.
Pam contacted me through the website because the ring was inscribed with the words "Howe High School," the year "1948" and the initials "PRG." The ring was gold was a shield on it whose colors were blue and red (or orange). She searched the web for Howe high schools around the country and located 4. She attempted to contact each of them, thus the email to me. I checked our on-line database and found a Paul R Grissom listed with the class of 48. I passed this information on to Pam and wished her luck.
Ten months later, I received another email from Pam indicating she had finally been able to contact Paul and that, amazingly, the ring was his! I then contacted Paul and had a very friendly conversation with him concerning his amazing ring.
I have to say that this is a very heart-warming story and I am so impressed with the hard work that Pam, Jesse and Kyle put into finding the owner of this ring. Many thanks to all three.
Paul's Story
He told me that he was in the army during the Korean war. He finished his basic training in Breckenridge, KY when he and a good buddy Glen Stanley went to visit Glen's parents in the Leesburg, FL area. He remembers that they went to a root beer drive-in and met up with some young ladies. He says they returned to one of the girls' home for drinks and some TV. After he left he noticed that he had lost his ring. To the best of his memory, he took his ring off to show it off and set it on a table. Since he had already left the Leesburg area, he figured his ring was gone and he put it out of his head...for 52 years...until the call from Pam Chavis.
Paul was thrilled to get his ring back so many years later. Paul mentioned a number of his classmates including Howe favorite, Jim Stutz.
Pam's Story
Following is the story sent to me from Pam Chavis. This story is in her own words.
As a long as I can remember the ring was in my Mom's jewelery box. I was sometimes allowed to sit down with her and hold the things in it. Among them was this high school ring. When I asked where it was from I was told that my Dad had found it. I asked her why they didn't try to fing the owner and she told me she just wouldn't know where to start.
After she passed away in 2000, being her only daughter, I was given her jewelery box with the ring still in it. I thought of trying to return it lots of times, but just never did. Then last summer, I asked 2 of my sons, ages 10 and 11, if they would like to try using the internet to find the owner of the ring. They thought it would be fun.
We started by searching web sites for lost and found articles like class rings to see if anyone was looking for it, but found nothing. Next we searched for any Howe HS's in the US and found 4. We tried to contact each one by e-mail and received replies from 2. One of the repies we received was from Kevin Friedly. He told me of that the ring I had described could possibly be from his school, but the colors on it (blue and either orange or red) were not the school colors. He also gave me the name of Paul Grissom, a man from his school with same initials as were in the ring; they were PRG.
We search online for his name and found 2 Paul Grissoms believe it or not, about 2 hours from our own home in central Florida The boys and I suspected that the 2 Paul Grissoms were one because of the similarity in both phone numbers. We settled on the one we thought was probably the most recent and tried to call it. We never got a response, and after several tries we sort of gave up. I kept the information in my desk thinking I would try again soon, but the days turned to months. Three weeks ago while doing some cleaning I saw the paper again and decided I would give it 1 last try, but this time I would write instead of call.
The boys and I wrote 2 short letters and sent one to each address on April 22, 2004. The following Saturday my husband and I had gone out for the evening and left a babysitter in charge. After arriving home I scrolled through my caller ID and saw Paul R Grissom had called my house. I couldn't believe it! All my babysitter had told me was that "some guy called for you and said he would call back tomorrow" I really felt like I had missed one of the most important calls of my life. The next day I stayed by the phone and finally at 6:30pm on Sunday, I picked up the phone and called him. His answering machine picked up so I left a message. At last, the phone rang about 10pm and it was him. As I began to introduce myself he said "I know who you are, and yes that is my ring." He had the same sound of disbelief in his voice that I did.
Apparently, he had lost it on a trip with a friend to the Lake County FL. area, where I was born and raised. He even mentioned an old root beer stand. My mom lived about a 1/4 mile from an A&W root beer stand and it was the "hot spot" for the young people in the area. I'll never know if that was where it was found, but I'm only glad it eventually ended up with me. I was too excited to sleep, so I stayed up and e-mailed Kevin Friedly, whom I hadn't contacted in the better part of 8-9 months before. He sounded as shocked as Paul.
Today I mailed the class ring back to its rightful owner, 52 years later. It was strange sending away something I had wondered about my whole life, but it means a lot to hear that excitement in the voice of a total stranger and know that we had a part in bringing a smile to his face.
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Please keep these people in your thoughts and prayers
Click HERE if you wish to submit a name of someone to include on our
Thoughts and Prayers list
Click the  symbol next to an entry to see more details
- Family of Betty Jean Moon Cowan ('46)
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Betty Jean Moon Cowan 80, passed away on January 31 2010 in Indianapolis.
- Family of Diana Walters Dorset ('88)
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Diana passed away on 1-31-10 of cancer leaving a husband and 5 children.
- Family of Russell F. Corey ('47)
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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)
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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)
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Jane passed away in Sept. 2009
- Family of Lionel (Sonny) Chandler ('46)
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Lionel passed away 12-11-2009
- Family of Henrietta L. Larison (food services worker)
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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)
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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)
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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
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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)
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"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)
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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)
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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)
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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)
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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)
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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)
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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
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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)
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Henry "Hank" Easter, former dean of boys, passed away on February 20, 2009 in Pinellas Park, FL.
- Lisa (Figg) Beaumont
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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)
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| 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 |
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FRIENDS I REMEMBER FROM HOWE
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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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Photo by:
Click here for more
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"Laud of the Ring"
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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).
Click here for the full review
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Charles DeBow, Howe teacher, one of the original Tuskegee Airmen
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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!
Click here for the full review
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