Howard A. Mcdanel

Howard A. McDanel, age 60, of Savanna, IL, passed away Thursday, May 2, 2019 at Mercy Medical Center North in Clinton, IA. Cremation rites have been accorded. A memorial gathering will be held from 2pm to 4pm on Thursday, May 9, 2019, at Law Jones Funeral Home in Savanna. Howard’s family wishes to let everyone know that he would have requested attendees to wear jeans and cowboy boots, if they so desire. A memorial fund has been established in his name.

Howard was born September 25, 1958 in Beaver Falls, PA, the son of Thomas and Georgia (Harlow) McDanel. Having been raised in Jupiter, FL, Howard graduated from Jupiter High School with the class of 1975. He then went on to work as an iron worker, and trained and rode horses in his home state of Florida; participating in many rodeos.

On November 1, 2000, Howard married the love of his life; Anne (Hoyer), in Galena, IL. On that day he not only gained a wife, but also a daughter, in Laura. Howard developed many hobbies in his life, especially in his later years. He had a green thumb, as he loved growing everything from flowers to vegetables. He had a passion for collecting and polishing rocks, along with spending hours gaming online, with Anna by his side. His love for horses also stayed with him from his working years through his later days.

Howard is described by those who love him as “tough as nails, and sweet as can be.” He will be dearly missed by his wife Anna; daughter, Laura Persoon of Beloit, WI; four grandchildren, Lydia, Pedro, Delayna, and Tristan; sisters Diane Robinson of Sarasota, FL, and Dorothy (Carl) Malmquist of Port St. Lucie, FL; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Howard is preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Thomas McDanel, Jr.; sister, Virginia “Ginny” McDanel; and son-in-law, Ray Contreras.