Howard J. Bagley

Howard John Bagley was a noble man who devoted himself to his family and friends. He was generous with his time and spread his joy of life to those around him. Being a good judge of character and an eager student of history and politics, Howard sought to bring out the best in people and to make his world a better place.

Howard was born at a time when families were struggling to survive the Great Depression, which marked a generation that knew what it meant to sacrifice for family and country. In the midst of these challenging times, the John and Mary (Smith) Bagley family was delighted with the birth of their fourth child, Howard John, born on October 24, 1931. Howard grew up in Pierson, Michigan with his sisters Dorothy and Pauline and his brother Jay. Their childhood was filled with the energy and antics that Howard provided. He loved to dance and perform. His siblings dressed him in clothes that Howard modeled or listened to his sermons when he put on a preachers suit. Howard had a big heart for those around him. The family moved to Grand Rapids when Howard was about 10 years old, and there he completed his education through the 9th grade. He found work at the Hour Theater in Grand Rapids until he was called into duty with the US Army on May 21, 1952. Howard served with the 529th Quarter Master Supply Company during the Korean conflict. He was honorably discharged on April 15, 1954 with the appreciation of a grateful nation.

Howard married a wonderful young girl named Barbara Hockey. They were married for ten years and had three sons, Elden, Danny and Mike. The sense of duty that Howard showed his country was replicated in his work and family life. Once home from war, he started working at American Seating and continued with the company for the next 42 years, retiring in 1993. When he married his beloved Arlene on July 3, 1962, it was for life. She brought a daughter, Janese into their marriage. A year after being married they had daughter Jady and later daughter Jeanna. Together they raised six children and were doubly blessed with twelve grandchildren.

Howard and Arlene were married for just under 45 years. As a family, they spent summers at Sandy Pines where Howard could be seen riding his golf cart around the park. Whatever his grandchildren were involved in, Howard was there to support them. He made sure he was at their sporting events and, being a good sport himself, Howard formed the habit of collecting loose change and giving it to his grandkids in rolls of coins.

Howard was a well-rounded man who was both serious and lighthearted. He liked to debate politics and also play bingo. He was a student of history and (unofficially) the king of polka. He was focused on learning from the History Channel and enjoyed being entertained by old black and white movies. Howard was handy indoors and out-he liked to cut the grass as well as help out with laundry and washing dishes. However, his skills did not extend to things mechanical. He was terrible with the TV remote control and had the toughest time changing channels.

Howard had a big heart and positive attitude. He often brought people home with him to give them something to eat, talk to them, and bring out the good in them. For his own self, he was content with hot dogs and ring bologna. That's just who Howard was. He lived his life with a generosity of spirit and goodwill that now remain with his family and friends who remember him with deep affection.

Mr. Howard John Bagley, age 75, of Grand Rapids passed away February 26, 2007. He was preceded in death by his son Dan Bagley and daughter Janese McKitrick. Howard is survived by his wife, Arlene Bagley; children Elden (Michelle) Bagley, Mike (Regina) Bagley, Jady (Denny) McLean, Jeanna (Troy) Milton; 12 grandchildren; sister Pauline Essex; and many nieces and nephews. Friends are invited to meet with Howards family on Wednesday, February 28, from 2-4 and 7-9 PM at the Heritage Life Story Funeral Homes-Vant Hof Chapel, 851 Leonard NW. The funeral will be held at the funeral chapel on Thursday at 1 PM, with visiting one hour prior to the service. Contributions in memory of Howard may be made to the Neal E. Fonger American Legion Post #179.