Paul D. Howe

Paul D. Howe, age 68, went to be with the Lord on November 1, 2024. He was born on June 4, 1956 in Wichita, KS to Roy and Louise Howe. He grew up in Goddard, KS, graduating high school in 1974. He went on to attend Friends University in Wichita, KS. While attending Friends University, he met his wife, Linda (Goudie) Howe, where they were married on May 28, 1977. During his time at Friends University, he earned his degree in Music Education & Music Performance. He was a member of multiple instrumental ensembles, as well as Singing Quakers. While on summer breaks at Friends, he also traveled and played trumpet professionally. He was a founding member of the Friends University Alumni Jazz Band, and also performed with various jazz groups around the Wichita area. In 1983, Paul and Linda welcomed their first daughter, Melissa. Later, in 1987, they welcomed their second daughter, Jacqueline. Also in 1987, Paul went on to earn his Master’s Degree in Music Education with an Emphasis in Orchestral Conducting. He was a Music Educator in public school for 37 years, and retired in May of 2017. He taught at Circle High School, El Dorado, Goddard, and finished his career at Mulvane Public Schools. He enjoyed taking his students on Marching Band and Jazz Band trips, going to multiple Bowl Games, and organizing ski trips. On those adventures, he enjoyed spending time with his students outside of the classroom, and wasn’t afraid to be a big kid himself. While teaching at Mulvane, he was asked to establish a girls golf program. He coached them 18 years before he retired from public education. He was always so proud of his teams, especially when they won the State Championship in 2003. In January of 2017, he accepted the position of Head Coach of the Friends University Women’s Golf Team. He was still in that position until his passing. He loved his team dearly, and was passionate about inspiring young women to develop a love for the game. In his free time, Paul loved to camp with his wife, long-time family friends, and his dog, Lily. He also enjoyed playing golf, woodworking, and cheering on the Kansas City Chiefs any chance he could get. He loved spending time with his family, and especially the addition of his two sons-in-law, who he lovingly referred to as “His Boys.” Most of all, Paul was passionate about his relationship with Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior. He was always uplifted by praise and worship music, and was willing to share his faith with others. His grandmother instilled in him a legacy of the following, “The most important thing I can leave to those I love is this: To live for what is right; to maintain a strong faith in God; and to love one another. I would leave them with this Scripture: “Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another. If we love one another, God dwelleth in us, and his love is perfected in us.” 1 John 4:11-12. Paul is survived by his wife of 47 years, Linda; his daughters, Melissa Miller (Nick), and Jacqueline Thomas (John). His sister, Beverly Hammersmith; and brother, Eric Howe (Shannon). He is also survived by his father-in-law, Rev. George Goudie; and brother-in-law, Brian Goudie; along with many nieces, nephews, cousins and extended family. He is preceded in death by his parents, Roy Loo and Louise Howe; and his step-mother, MayBelle Howe. Also his brother, Larrell Howe; his brother-in-law, Steve Hammersmith; and his mother-in-law, Betty Goudie. There will be a Celebration of Life at 10:00 am, Friday November 8, 2024 at Downing & Lahey East Mortuary in Wichita, KS. The service will be live streamed and available to view by clicking “Watch Event” below. The family requests that bright colors be worn, as this is to be a celebration of Paul’s life. A memorial has been established with Friends University for the Paul Howe Women’s Golf Fund. Please send memorials to: Friends University, Attn: Advancement Office, 2100 W. University Ave., Wichita, KS 67213. Please notate “Paul Howe Women’s Golf Fund” in the memo line. You can also donate online with the link below.

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