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Douglas "Alan" Howarter

February 16, 1956 ~ August 19, 2025

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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

wichitalibraryfoundation.org

Memories Timeline

Guestbook

  1. The Wichita Festivals family mourns the passing of Admiral 51, Alan Howarter, a beloved leader, volunteer, and friend. Alan’s passion for Riverfest and his dedication to building community left an indelible mark on our organization and our city.

    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.

  2. You will be missed my good friend. Thank you for being there for me during my growing up years, 1962 to 1975. You impacted my life in a positive way! Rest in Peace brother.

  3. This still seems surreal, as we communicated just recently, and I stayed with Alan in his home last Fall. We go back to second grade, but our friendship really began in 2014, when we worked together on planning our school class reunion. His professional expertise was a big part of that reunion’s success, and again in 2024. We will miss having his help, but especially miss having him as a friend. I was looking forward to seeing him again later this year at the annual bowling tournament here in Tulsa. It would appear that in life, Alan bowled a 300. My condolences to all the remaining family, wherever you are.

  4. 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

  5. Oh Barb, I am so sorry that your husband has passed away. My sympathies, prayers and love to you, your children, and your grandchildren. This is a tremendous loss. Hugs to you, my friend.

    Tina Holz Hensley

  6. Barbara, so sorry to hear of Alan’s passing. Keeping you and your family in our thoughts and prayers. Love ya

  7. Barb I am so sorry for your loss. Thinking of you and the girls during this time and sending you all prayers.

  8. 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

  9. Truly the best father-in-law I could have ever hoped for. Alan was an exemplary father to his three daughters and two grandchildren, and always put his family first. One of the hardest workers I have ever met, but also absolutely hilarious and a joy to be around always.

    He is missed so very dearly.

  10. Alan was a classmate of mine, although I didn’t know him well, I want to express how sad it feels to loose such a larger-than-life, altruistic, positive member of our class. I know there are many of us who feel the same way. My heartfelt condolences to the family.

  11. 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.

  12. Rusty and I are so sorry to hear about the loss of your husband and dad. Our hearts hurt with you and the girls and we are praying God’s grace and comfort during this time.
    Our love and deepest sympathies
    Rusty and Tracy Lee


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