Howard M. Draft's Obituary
On Saturday, February 24, 2007, Howard M. Draft moved from life, through death, into life eternal. Howard was born May 14, 1918, in Rothbury and spent 66 of his 88 years in loving companionship with his wife, Wilma, who survives him. Also surviving, with many wonderful memories, are his children: Roger (Marcia) Draft, Tom (Susan) Draft, and Linda Draft; and his grandchildren and great-grandchildren: Denise (Dirk) Stone and son Cameron, Darcy Draft, Tim (Melanie) Draft and sons Austin and Tyler, Derek (Heidi) Draft and children Ashleigh and Hayden, and Karla (Mike) Rosenmann; and special family friend, Cindy Ruffert. Also surviving are his brothers and sisters-in-law: Martin Hart, Gordon (Irene) Hart, Phyllis Hart, and Lillian Hart; and many nieces and nephews.
Howard graduated from Heany College of Business and enjoyed a long and productive life. His wide circle of friends and acquaintances grew over the years as he first provided home delivery of milk and later made door-to-door calls as a representative of Metropolitan Life Insurance. Howard and Wilma married in 1940 and in 1949 built their current home in Spring Lake, providing much of the labor themselves and proudly moving in with no mortgage. Howard and Wilma have been members of Christ Community Church for 66 years, and he has served the church in many capacities. He enjoyed many other activities in his retirement years, including volunteering for International Aid, gardening, and joining “the boys” for coffee at Braaks Bakery. Last, but certainly not least, he will be remembered as a man who loved nothing more than gathering friends and family around the kitchen table for a lively evening of competitive card-playing, interspersed with stories, laughter, cookies, and peppermints.
The service celebrating Howard’s life will be held 11:30 a.m. Friday, March 2, 2007, at Christ Community Church in Spring Lake with his longtime friend, Rev. Richard Rhem officiating. Friends may meet the family beginning at 10:00 a.m. Friday, March 2, until time of service and again after the service in the church lounge where a luncheon will be served. Interment will be in Spring Lake Cemetery. Those desiring to make a memorial contribution are encouraged to consider the Howard M. Draft Memorial Fund at the Grand Haven Area Community Foundation. Share memories with the family at their online guest book at www.vbkfuneralhome.com.
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