Preston C Howe

Preston Coleman Howe 

January 11, 1935 – August 17, 2026 

Preston Coleman Howe—a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, and friend—passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his family at the age of 91. Known for his patient nature, gentle spirit, and tireless work ethic, Preston was a true patriarch to his family and a steadfast presence in the lives of all who knew him. 

Son of Maurice and Julia Howe, Preston graduated from Sarasota High School in 1952. Driven by ambition and adventure, he traveled north to Elmore, Ohio, alongside his high school friend Laurie Fulkert to seek employment with the "Big Three" automakers. Settling in Elmore, he married the love of his life, Delphine Overmyer, in 1956. Preston began his automotive career with Chrysler before joining Ford Motor Company in Sandusky, Ohio, where he dedicated 30 years of service as a journeyman electrician prior to his retirement in 1989. An inventive thinker, Preston was awarded through Ford’s suggestion program for creative workplace innovations that improved efficiency and safety for himself and his co-workers. 

An expert handyman and problem solver, Preston was always the first to lend a hand with household construction, maintenance, and appliance repairs. Among his many projects, he custom-crafted an in-ground swimming pool that became the heart of endless summer gatherings with family and friends. Beyond his craft, his ultimate passion was aviation. He fulfilled a lifelong dream of flying his Piper Tri-Pacer airplane directly from the hangar and runway in his own backyard. For many years, an active member and officer of the Portage Valley Flying Club in Elmore, Preston spent countless hours volunteering at the clubhouse, chicken barbecues, and community projects. 

Preston and Delphine shared 65 cherished years of marriage. After decades in Elmore, they became snowbirds in 2004, spending winters at their home in Sarasota, Florida. They later moved to White Pigeon, Michigan, and spent valuable time with their daughters in North Carolina and Calgary. 

Preston is survived by his four daughters: Valorie (Garry) Juergens of White Pigeon, MI; Sonia (Arsen) Pavlov of Ft. Myers, FL; Michelle (Johnny) Demers of Harrisburg, NC; and Stephanie (Mark) Rosenbaum of Calgary, Canada; his brother, James Howe of Ft. Myers, FL; eleven grandchildren: Jessica (Joel) Melton, Jaclyn (Jon) Hanley, Jeremiah Juergens, James (Becca) Juergens, Leslie (Lee) Etheridge, Elizabeth (Tom) Portwood, Roxanna Demers, John Coleman Demers, Lachlan Rosenbaum, Lily Rosenbaum, and Hayden Rosenbaum; and eight great-grandchildren: Leiselle, Cora, Siena, Eliana, Milo, Brooke, Owen, and Rosalind. 

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Delphine, and his two sisters, Harriet Howe Simpson of Fort Myers, Florida, and Mary Howe Marshall of Atlanta, Georgia.

 Service Information 

Celebration of Life Gathering: 

Saturday, September 5, 2026, at 11:00 AM, Tribute and sharing at 11:15 AM 

Location: Portage Valley Flying Club, 4018 County Rd. 82, Elmore, OH 43416 

Details: A chicken barbecue lunch will be provided for family and friends at 12:00 Noon, Casual Attire 

Those wishing to make contributions in Preston's name are asked to consider the Portage Valley Flying Club, 4018 CO. Rd. 82, Elmore, Ohio 43416.