Charles F. “Chook” Howe
Charles F. “Chook” Howe, 72, of Hawk Run, died Friday, July 27, 2018, at UPMC Altoona.
Charles was born on December 23, 1945, in Philipsburg, a son of the late Charles P. and Elvira M. (Harris) Howe.
He was of the Catholic faith.
Chook attended the West Branch Area High School. Following high school, he served with the US Navy during the Vietnam War era. His service included assignments aboard the USS Intrepid (CVS 11) and the USS Independence (CVA-62).
Chook had been employed as a C.N.A. with the former Philipsburg State General Hospital. Following the closing of the hospital, he was then employed as a C.N.A. with the Hollidaysburg Veterans Home until his retirement.
He was a Life Member of the Morris Township Volunteer Fire Company. He was also a member of the VFW, Post 3450, Philipsburg; Loyal Order of Moose, Lodge 941, Grassflat; and the Lincoln Club, Hawk Run.
Chook was a sports fanatic. He was a loyal fan of the Penn State football, wrestling and basketball programs. His favorite professional sports teams were all from Pittsburgh: the Steelers, the Pens and the Pirates.
His love of sports carried over to a legacy of volunteerism and an extensive career as a PIAA and NCAA official. Chook was a volunteer coach for the West Branch football team for 38 years and spent 2 years as a volunteer softball coach. His career “behind the plate” included: twenty years as a PIAA umpire for baseball and softball, men’s and women’s ASA fast pitch softball and NCAA women’s softball. Throughout his career as an umpire and volunteer coach, Chook had the opportunity to meet a number of other coaches who greatly inspired him.
Chook was married on December 11, 1970, in Winchester, Virginia, to the former Joan E. Davis, who survives at home.
He is also survived by three sons: Timothy W. Howe and his wife, Janell, of Bellefonte, Todd P. Howe, of Hawk Run and Tom P. Howe, and his friend, Joy, of Lanse; nine grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; one sister, Suzanne L. Askey, of Morrisdale; two brothers, James P. Howe and his wife, Loretta, of Kylertown and Patrick W. Howe and his wife, Ruth Ann, of Bellefonte; a sister-in-law, Marian Howe, of Erie; and numerous other extended family members.
He was preceded in death by his parents; one grandson, Luke W. Howe; and one brother, Harry W. Howe.
The funeral service will be held Wednesday, August 1, 2018, at 11 am, at the Beezer-Heath Funeral Home, 719 E. Spruce Street, Philipsburg, with Rev. William Walker, officiating.
Visitation will be on Tuesday, July 31, 2018, from 2 to 4 pm and 6 to 8 pm, and on Wednesday from 10 am until the time of the service at the funeral home.
Interment will be in Ashcroft Cemetery, Hawk Run.
Military Honors will be accorded by the Moshannon Valley Independent Honor Guard.
Memorial contributions may be made in Chook’s memory to the Clearfield County SPCA, 275 21st. Street, Clearfield, Pa 16830 or to Centre County PAWS, 1401 Trout Road, State College, PA 16801.
