Donald "Hillbilly Don" Howard

Donald “Don” David Howard, 84, of Machesney Park passed away Friday, January 8, 2021, in his home, surrounded by his family.  Born March 22, 1936, in Hartford, West Virginia, the son of Mack Donald and Martha Margaret (Riffle) Howard.  He graduated from Wahama High School in Mason, West Virginia, Class of 1954.  In high school, Don loved sports, he played football, basketball, and baseball.  Don moved to Rockford, Illinois, to work at the airport, where he met the love of his life Vera Mable Trefftzs and they married on October 26, 1956.  Donald owned his own business, Twin City Supply in Loves Park, with his partner Ted Whitmire.  In his spare time, he coached and supported his wife, daughter, and granddaughter’s fast pitch softball teams.  Don was always watching sports on television; he was a big Chicago Cubs and Chicago Bears fan.  He loved the outdoors, especially fishing and boating.  Don also known as “Hillbilly Don” bred and trained beagle dogs for Brace Beagling Field Trials.  Member and president of the Northern Illinois Beagle Club in Roscoe.  He had a Purina Dog Champion and many AKC Champion beagles.  Survivors include his wife, Vera Howard; daughter, Debbie (Larry) Andrews; grandchildren, Nicole Howard, Melissa (Kelly Alan) Walker, and David Andrews; great-grandchildren, Jacob Walker, Daniel Walker, and Emma Walker.  Predeceased by his son Mark Howard.

Join us in celebrating Don’s life and the joy he has brought to all those who knew him.  Memorial walk-through visitation will be held from 2 to 4 p.m. Saturday, January 16, 2021, at Delehanty Funeral Home, Ltd., 401 River Lane, Loves Park, Illinois.  Masks and social distancing required.