NORTH MANCHESTER - Alan Thorne Howenstine, 84, of Timbercrest Senior Living Community, North Manchester, died at 10:55 a.m. Feb. 27, 2008, in Wabash County Hospital.
He was born Jan. 27, 1924, in Huntington, to Paul and Lucille Thorne Howenstine. On May 21, 1944, he married Melba Zorger, who survives.
After high school, he attended Manchester College, where he was an outstanding basketball athlete ranking second in the state for scoring his freshman year. He also earned Second Team All-Conference honors and was named to the College All-Star Team selected by sportswriters throughout Indiana. In his sophomore years he was ranked third in the state for scoring and earned First Team-All Conference honors.
He enlisted in the U.S. Army in March 1943, and was awarded the Purple Heart after being wounded in the Battle of the Bulge, and the Bronze Star for valor in action.
After returning from war, he began farming in Huntington County, later returning to college for a degree in elementary education. He also attended the University of Mississippi and Ball State University. His teaching career began at Miami, Ind., where he taught and then was principal. He was teacher and principal at Chester Elementary School, North Manchester, from 1958-63; principal at Nelson School, Morton Grove, Ill., where the school library was named in his honor; became superintendent of schools, Union, Ill.; and completed his career in Michigan City, where he was a teacher and assistant superintendent of schools.
He was named to the Sports Hall of Fame, Otho Winger Society and Alumni Service Award, all of Manchester College. He was a member of the Lion's Club, Kiwanis Club, Phi Delta Kappa and several educational groups.
Also surviving are a son, Kenton Alan (and spouse Janet) Howenstine; a daughter, Gene Alayne Gard; a sister, Doris Hess; three grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by a son, a sister and a brother.
A private graveside service will be in Beech Grove Cemetery, Huntington County, with the Rev. Hubert Newcomer officiating. A memorial service will be at a later date.
No calling is planned.
DeLaughter-McKee Mortuary, North Manchester, is in charge of arrangements.
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Memorials to the Waldenstrom's Macroglobulinemia Foundation, 3932D Swift Road, Sarasota, FL 34231; or Community Foundation of Wabash County, 218 E. Main St., North Manchester, IN 46962; or the charity of the donor's choice.
