Bill Howard, Husband and Father, Founded Maplewood Lanes, Worked at Citizens Bank in Saline

William “Bill” Marland Howard, age 81, passed away Sunday, August 2, 2020 at home in Saline, MI surrounded by his loving family.

Bill was born on September 7, 1938 in Ann Arbor, MI, the son of Marland and Geraldine (McNight) Howard. Bill graduated from St. Thomas in Ann Arbor, MI in 1956. While a student he lettered, was Captain, and was also All City in three sports: football, basketball and baseball.

He married the love of his life, Ellen Catherine Benner on October 3, 1959. She preceded him in death in 2016 after 58 wonderful years of marriage. Bill had a varied and busy career and life path. Bill was a member of the Army Reserves. He graduated with a degree in banking, and went on to teach banking at Eastern Michigan University. He worked his way up the ladder from Bank teller to Senior Vice President, from Ann Arbor Bank to Citizens Bank of Saline (Key Bank).

After he retired from banking, he worked as a truck driver in farming. Bill went on to become the proud owner of Maplewood Lanes Bowling Alley, Saline, MI from 1979 to the present. On top of that Bill was involved in many Fraternal and philanthropic clubs. The Elks, The Moose, The Eagles, the South Eastern Kiwanis Club of Ann Arbor, Knights of Columbus, member and President of Saline Hospital Board, Rotary Club of Saline, and 35 year member and past president of Bogie Busters golf league, Tuesday nights at Brookside Golf Course. F.O.S. (Friend’s Of Sam) private Saturday morning club in Saline for many years until it closed.

He was also a member of the Bois Blanc Island Club of the North Shore of Bois Blanc Island. Although not a founding member, Bill was welcomed by the Club in 1974 and was the last surviving original member. Many wild and maybe true stories and fun times were at deer camp. Bill's other great passion in life was poker and cribbage. He was excellent at both and played most of his life with his long time best friends.

Bill's greatest passion was traveling with Ellen and her sisters and brothers-in-law. They traveled the United States and the World and visited almost every continent. One of Bill's favorite accomplishments was in Ireland, kissing the Blarney Stone!

Survivors include his children, Ann Marie Howard of Milan, MI, David Marland Howard of Chicago, IL. Brother, Pat Marland Howard and (Laurie) of Pinckney, MI. Sister-in-law, Lucy (Benner) Les McCartney of Mt. Airy, MD, Peggy (Benner) Clorety of Crownsville, MD, Phylis Benner of MD. Nieces and nephews: Marla (Howard) Scott Mueller of Ypsilanti, MI, Michael Howard of Wolf Lake, MI; Peter McCartney of Las Vegas, Greg McCartney of Mt. Airy, MD, along with many more nieces, nephews and cousins. Most of all Dad's best friends, Willie and Nelson. Bill had so many life long great friendships. He made a lasting impression on everyone he met. He leaves a lasting legacy of respect, hilarious stories, kindness, and that goofy grin. Dad was truly a gift.

Burial was held privately in the Oakwood Cemetery in Saline, MI. Memorial contributions in his name may be made to Saline Social Services, 224 West Michigan Ave, Saline, MI, 48176. To leave a memory you have of Bill, to sign his guestbook, or for more information please visit www.rbfhsaline.com.

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