Howard Smith Shand

SHAND, Howard Smith - age 96, of Fenton, formerly of Flushing, passed away Monday, December 23, 2024. Funeral Mass will be celebrated 11 AM Saturday, January 4, 2025 at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, 600 N. Adelaide St., Fenton. Fr. Robert Copeland celebrant. Entombment will follow in New Calvary Catholic Cemetery. Visitation will be from 9 AM until the time of Mass at the church.

Howard was born December 4, 1928 in Dearborn the son of Sidney and Mabel (Smith) Shand. He was a graduate of Dearborn Fordson High School. Howard then attended and graduated with a Bachelor's Degree from Eastern Michigan University, where he played basketball and met the love of his life, Carolyn Rita Walter. The two were married on August 6, 1955 in Flint. He was a veteran of the US Army, serving in the Korean War. Howard was a Master Plumber and bought William E. Walter Plumbing and Heating from his father-in-law. He was the operator of the business for over 30-years before transitioning the company to his nephew John Walter. Howard was a member of St. Pius X Catholic Church and later, St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church. He was also a member of the Flint Rotary Club and the Flint Golf Club where he was past president. Howard was an avid golfer and lifetime fan of the University of Michigan athletics. He and Rita were benefactors and greatly enjoyed the Flint Symphony Orchestra and the Flint Institute of Music. His greatest joy in life was spending time with his wife, daughters, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Surviving are: his beloved wife of 69 years, Rita; daughters, Tenley (Brent) Himes, Sydney (David) Leathers, Martha (Lewis) Barbera; grandchildren, Morgan Leathers, Lucy (Peder) Dahl, Austin (Emily) Leathers, Meryl Leathers, Jack (Maggie) Barbera, William (Claire) Barbera; and great-grandchildren, Daisy Leathers and Leo Leathers.

Howard was preceded in death by: his parents; siblings, Arthur (Betty) Shand, Muriel (Charles) Kreager; and brother-in-law, Dr. Daniel (Peggy) Walter. Tributes may be shared at www.sharpfuneralhomes.com

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the St. John the Evangelist Outreach Services.