Douglas “Alan” Howarter, 69, of Wichita, Kansas, passed away on August 19, 2025. He was born on February 16, 1956, in Dodge City, Kansas, to the late Cecil Douglas and Marjory Ann Howarter, and grew up in Dodge City before making his home in Wichita.
Alan graduated from Wichita State University and built a long and respected career as a Certified Public Accountant. He was most recently employed at Vess Oil Corporation, where he was admired for his expertise, dedication, and integrity.
He is survived by his loving wife, Barbara Howarter; daughters, Kelsey (Hunt) Rose of Tulsa, OK, Justine (Jake) Ablah of Prairie Village, KS, and Natalie (Dominic Gassman) Howarter of Prairie Village, KS; grandchildren, Lyle and Lowen Rose; brother, Gary Howarter; and sister, Cheryl Singhisen.
Alan was deeply devoted to his community, volunteering for more than 45 years with the Wichita River Festival. In 2025, he was honored as the 51st Admiral Windwagon Smith, a role that reflected his enthusiasm for service and his love of Wichita traditions. His volunteerism extended far beyond the River Festival — he gave his time and leadership to the American Heart Association, Heartspring, Wichita Public Library Foundation, Great Plains USBC Bowling Association, YMCA/Wisemans, the Petroleum Accountants Society of Kansas, and others.
Outside of his professional and volunteer commitments, Alan enjoyed bowling, golfing, and spending time with family and friends. He will be remembered as a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend whose generosity and dedication left a lasting mark on all who knew him.
Visitation will be from 5:00 – 7:00 pm, Wednesday, August 27, 2025, at Downing & Lahey East Mortuary. Rosary will be at 9:30 AM, Mass at 10:00 AM, both Thursday, August 28, 2025 at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church, Andover, KS.
Memorial donations may be made to the Wichita Public Library Foundation, 711 W. 2nd St. N., Wichita, KS 67203; and Heartspring, 8700 E. 29th St. N., Wichita, KS 67226.
Services
Visitation: Wednesday, August 27, 2025 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Downing & Lahey East Mortuary
6555 E. Central
Wichita, KS 67206
Rosary: Thursday, August 28, 2025 9:30 am
St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church
123 N. Andover Rd.
Andover, KS 67002
316-733-1423
Funeral Mass: Thursday, August 28, 2025 10:00 am
St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church
123 N. Andover Rd.
Andover, KS 67002
316-733-1423
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Charities
The family greatly appreciates donations made to these charities in Douglas "Alan" Howarter 's name.
Heartspring
8700 E. 29th St. N.
Wichita,
KS
67226
Wichita Public Library Foundation
711 West 2nd Street North
Wichita,
KS
67203
To Alan’s family, please know how deeply grateful we are for sharing him with us. His kindness, humor, and tireless service will never be forgotten. Alan embodied the true spirit of Wichita Festivals, inspiring joy and connection for thousands who attended Riverfest and other events through the years.
We extend our heartfelt condolences to his loved ones. May you find comfort in knowing that his legacy will live on in the traditions he helped shape, the friendships he built, and the countless lives he touched.
Alan will be remembered always, with admiration and love.
BreAnna Monk
President/CEO
Wichita Festivals, Inc.
Barb,
Please accept our sympathy on the passing of your husband, Alan. May you be blessed with God’s comfort in the coming days.
Frances and Russ Brunworth
RIP Alan! My sincere condolences to family and friends. You will be missed by many.
Tina Holz Hensley
Barbara, so sorry to hear of Alan’s passing. Keeping you and your family in our thoughts and prayers. Love ya
With respect.
Alan was a great guy and he will be missed. Honored to have called him my friend.
I want to offer my prayers for Alan and his entire family. I worked with Alan for the past 10 years completing the Sox controls for the Bank of New York. At first the relationship was rocky, however over the years the relationship improved greatly. I am just shocked to hear this news and offer my condolences to his family.
Rest in Peace my friend
He is missed so very dearly.
Alan was someone who went out of his way to show kindness to others. It did not matter if you had not spent time together recently or not. His smile was contagious and his laughter would make you smile and laugh. He was truly special to so many.
Our love and deepest sympathies
Rusty and Tracy Lee