Charles Orville Howey

Howey, Charles O. Dec 20 Age 93 of Grosse Ile. Beloved husband of Dolores. Dear father of Michelle (Mike) Hanson, Charles "Skip" (Jeanne), Beth (Joe) Dixon, Paul (Lisa), Robert (Karen), John (Laura) and Sarah Howey-Thewes. Also survived by 29 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren. Burial at Michigan Memorial Park Cemetery. Charles O. (Chuck) Howey, born in Detroit, Michigan, began his professional career after graduating from Michigan State University with a degree in Economics. He entered the world of real estate January 1, 1950, joining forces with Charles Eliker Realty. In 1951, he interrupted his career to report for active duty with the U.S. Air Force, serving in Korea as a supply officer. After his 2-year tour of duty, Chuck returned home and resumed his real estate career. In 1953 he also opened an independent insurance agency, located briefly in Riverview, then his long-time location on West Road in Trenton. Two years later, Chuck entered into a partnership with Leslie Klann, who worked for him in his real estate operation and who also had a small insurance business. That partnership came to be known in the Downriver community for many years as Howey & Klann Agency. Several years after the death of Mr. Klann, the Agency’s name was changed to Howey & Associates, Inc., and re-located to its present site in Woodhaven. For many years, Chuck concurrently operated his real estate office, one of the area’s top insurance agencies, and a growing property management company managing his own properties, which included residential homes, apartments, and commercial buildings. In 1984, Chuck chose to close the real estate portion of his business to devote all of his attention to his insurance agency and property management companies. Under his leadership, Howey & Associates, Inc. became one of this area’s largest, most successful independent insurance agencies. After selling the insurance operation, Chuck spent more time in Florida, where he eventually purchased a large Florida real estate company, Priscilla Murphy Real Estate, At the time of its sale several years ago, the company had five locations and one hundred and thirty employees. While he spends much of his time in Florida now, he continues to remain involved in the property management operation in Woodhaven. Throughout his career, Chuck has involved himself in industry organizations and local community activities. He is a long-time member of the Downriver Board of Realtors, serving in all of its officer positions through the presidency, and continuing into the State level, eventually serving as the vice-president of the Michigan Realtors. Chuck also had a long service history to the Independent Insurance Agents of Wayne County, serving as their president as well. When the Trenton Businessmen’s Association was developed, Chuck was there, serving as its president. For eighteen years, he served on the City of Trenton’s Planning Commission. Finally, and probably his favorite cause is the Rotary Club. He has a distinguished record of service, through all of the officer positions to presidency, and remains a very faithful and active member. He was recently honored by Rotary for his life-long contributions, most recently a foundation he established which is now focusing on medical research in Africa. Along with a long successful career, Chuck and his wife, Dolores (Dee), his college sweetheart, had a wonderful family; last May they celebrated their 67th anniversary. Apart from his business interests, Chuck enjoyed golfing, skiing, reading, and relaxing in the Florida sun during Michigan’s winter months. Services are private due to COVID restrictions