Howard G. Nordyke
August 14, 1937 ~ November 16, 2023
Howard G. Nordyke, aka “H.G. or Papa Howie,” 86, took his final drive on the 18th hole on Thursday, November 16, 2023, as he swung for a hole in one to the gates of heaven. Howard was born on August 14, 1937, in Shattuck, Oklahoma to Ercel and Gertrude Nordyke. He was a dedicated father, brother, and uncle, a wonderful grandfather, and a cherished friend to all who knew him. Howard built his career in the optical business, creating Howard's Optical over 50 years ago. His work ethic, moral compass, and strong desire to help people are what built such a legacy in business. You don't find men quite like Howard today. He was an avid golfer, baseball aficionado and extraordinary craftsman in woodworking. He loved to build with his hands, in particular his treasured golf cart, “Birdie.” A dedicated donor to Wichita State Athletics, Howard was overflowing in generosity to the basketball and baseball programs as well as a fierce and loyal fan through the years.
Howard is survived by his children: Mark K. (Linda) Nordyke, Belinda (Les) Payne, Linda Charmchizadeh; grandchildren: Jared (Janice) Payne, Megan (Andy) Frieze, Amanda (Mike) Lygrisse, Jeremy (Bliss) Charmchizadeh, Cassandra Payne; great grandchildren, Brooklyn, Hannah, Parker, Trevor, Bailey, Mason, McKenna, Maddox, Henry, Julia, Daniel; great-great grandchild, Carter; brothers, Vernon (Linda) Nordyke, Tim (Scotty) Nordyke; sister, Cloreta Logan.
Visitation will be on Friday, November 24, 2023, from 5:00-7:00 pm. A service to celebrate Howard’s life will be held on Saturday, November 25, 2023, at 12:00 pm both at Downing & Lahey East Mortuary. His family invites all who knew him to join them in honoring his memory and sharing in his remarkable life. In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established with: Union Rescue Mission, 2800 N. Hillside St., Wichita, KS 67219.
Howard will forever be remembered for his integrity, kind nature, abundant generosity, and pure heart of gold. We each live a little better because of knowing the tremendous man he was to all those who knew him.
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Sending loving concern to Howard’s family. So grateful for Howard’s gentle kindness and always fine provisions for those of us who are but a small part of the family, as well as a customer at his Optical Co. We always received great service. We’ll miss his hospitality and generous ways. Prayers and blessings to all.
Fondly, Dee Smith
Howard Nordyke was one of my closest friends. He was a man of great honor and integrity, always kind, giving, and empathetic to everyone around him. At a time of great loss of such a person, we are all left more aware of the void it creates, but very honored and grateful that we were enriched by his friendship. He will be deeply missed. It is hard to imagine life without him, and our condolences to his family.
Mike, Beth, & Ryan Reisman
Our deepest condolences to all the Nordyke Family. Known this family for over 55 years. Howard was one of a kind.. Prayers for Mark, Belinda, Linda and all the families.
🙏🙏May Our God wrap his Loving Arms around each of You. May He Pour within You & around you his Spirit of Comfort, Strength, Peace and Hope. May Christ guide you through this wilderness and protect you through this Storm of Life Changes.
Blessings Always !
The Baum Families
These are my thoughts about Howard: he had an entrepreneurial spirit in opening his Howard’s Optical stores cold, depending on his skills at designing and adjusting glasses for the patients/customers as well as his great personal touch with each of them. I knew him as a faithful and loyal friend and he served many of my patients with those skills. His business grew to include multiple locations. I never heard a bad report from any of them. He became a great Shocker baseball supporter along with Lana and Mark. My deepest sympathy to his family.
Dr. Doug Blackman
He came to dad’s on Thanksgiving I will miss him being there he would always talk about the old days I will miss herring him tell his story’s but I also no he missed ant Lana I no the are in here enjoying each other
In the late sixties and seventies, Howard and Lana Nordyke were my family’s next-door neighbors on South Spruce street. Two of the nicest people you could ever hope to know; my Dad said more than twice that we were lucky to have good neighbors on both sides. Their kids — Mark, Linda, Belinda — were the cutest, and sweet too. Howard and Lana had opened an optical shop, their first as it turned out, in Parklane and they exuded hope and happiness. I wonder if they had any idea then just how successful they were going to be. My condolences to all their family and friends.
Comfort and peace to the family. Kay Anderson
Your family has been such a special blessing to our family for 55+ years and we are blessed to have been amongst such great friends. So many wonderful memories growing up. “When those we love become a memory, the memory becomes a treasure” and I know you all will treasure so many exciting stories and awesome memories. Belinda, Lindy, Mark and your families…. We are so very sorry for your loss ~ you are in our thoughts and prayers. Sending our love and big hugs to all.
Sandy ~ Rex ~ Savanna Sparrow
I’m so sorry to hear of Howard’s passing. JoAnn and I hope God will bless you all and give you peace. Howard was a great man and I enjoyed working for him, and occasionally playing golf with him.
We have so many memories of grandpa Howard, we shared grandchildren, then Great grands! We shared baby-sitting shifts with the little ones! He will be greatly missed by many❤️
The Pickering’s send our sympathy to Howard and Lana’s family.
56 years ago two talented opticians open independent offices. Always friendly competitors. Howard and Lana, Don and I, shared many meals and trips. New Orleans, New York City, and Las Vegas. Plus all the motor home trips to Table Rock and Padre Island. Lots of KS optical conversations where we envied their lively dancing. Such good memories for me.
Love to Mark, Belinda, and Linda, from your long time friends,
Ruth, Martin, Linda, and Keith Pickering
Grandpa Howie what I can I say about u well to start off u was a very incredible person very kind hearted not only to me but my kids as well. You bought joy to my life whenever we was around u weather that be going to the wsu basketball games to brunch to family gatherings to wichita open to bothers on 4th of july or whatever that it may be. I will always be grateful and cherish every moment I got to spend with u while u was here…u will be deeply missed!!!! Thank again for being the person who u was to me and my kids! My heart will always feel joy and warmth knowing I got to be apart of ur life when u was here. Glad ur at peace and got to be reunited grandma lana and u will be looking down on all ur amazing family and watching and protecting them! With all my love
Payton
I was sorry to hear of Howard’s passing. He was always so kind and generous, a sort of adopted grandfather to our son Jeff and our entire family. Our thoughts and prayers are with Linda and Jeremy, as well as the rest of the family.
Gail & Donna Johnson