Howard Edward Hartness' Obituary
Howard Edward Hartness of Centerville, Iowa died Sunday, December 15, 2013.
He was born June 12, 1929 to Clifford and Dorothy Hartness in Oskaloosa, Iowa. After graduating from Oskaloosa High School, Howard continued his love of sports by coaching and playing basketball and softball. He persuaded Pepsi Cola to sponsor two teams: a basketball team that won 90 out of 100 games and a softball team that won all three tournaments they entered. Howard served in the US Army during the Korean Conflict and was given an Honorable Discharge.
While living in Newton, Iowa, during the1950's, Howard learned to play the upright string bass. Max Bennett, also from Oskaloosa, was playing bass professionally with Stan Kenton at the time and encouraged Howard to pursue bass lessons. Howard pursued his love of music playing bass in several dance band combos. He was the leader of his own Big Band from 1978-1988, playing the Country Club and Elks Club circuit throughout Iowa and Missouri.
In 1958 Howard moved to Centerville, Iowa working as a meat market manager for Thriftway-Safeway Grocery Store. He met his future wife Mary Ann, whom he married in 1959. Howard, an insurance agent, worked for Bankers Life/Principal Financial Group for 42 years until he retired. Honors for excellence in selling included the Million Dollar Round Table, Premier Club and Honor Council.
Howard was a member of the American Legion for 62 years. He was a member of the Federation of Musicians Union, Centerville-Appanoose Country Club, Elks Club and Fourth degree Knights of Columbus, as well as a long time member of St. Mary's Catholic Church of Centerville.
Surviving are his wife, Mary Ann, a daughter Rita, a sister Peggy and two brothers, Tom and Kenneth. He was preceded in death by his parents and a sister Betty.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 AM Monday, December 23, 2013 at St. Mary's Catholic Church, Centerville with Fr. Bill Hubmann officiating. Visitation will be from 5-7 PM Sunday at the Lange Funeral Home & Crematory. A Rosary Service will be held at 7:00 PM Sunday evening at Lange Funeral Home & Crematory. Burial will be in the Oakland Cemetery, Centerville. A memorial has been established to St. Mary's Catholic Church and may be left at Lange Funeral Home and Crematory. Condolences may be left at www.langefh.com
Visitation
December 22, 2013 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Lange Funeral Home 1900 S. 18th St. Centerville, IA (641) 856-2000
Mass of Christian Burial
December 23, 2013 11:00 AM
St.Mary's Catholic Church 838 S. 18th St. Centerville, IA (641) 437-1984
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