Howard E. Parr

Birth date: Sep 10, 1919 Death date: Jun 8, 2020

Howard Emerson Parr completed his earthly journey peacefully on June 8, 2020, at his residence in Glazier Commons, Chelsea Retirement Center. He was born in Manchester on September 10, 1919, to Clayton and Willo Mattern Parr, the Read Obituary

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Eric Van Der Schalie

283w ago

We had the pleasure of meeting Howard way back in the 1980s, long before we moved to Manchester. He and Lenora graciously hosted us and our young daughter in their big house on Sharon Hollow Road when Eric’s father passed away and we needed accommodations nearby. Following our move to Manchester in 2002 we had many more occasions to be impressed with Howard’s generosity and knowledge of Manchester history. While we were volunteering with the senior meal delivery and Howard drove the bus, it was a treat to hear all his stories about his growing up years and life in the village. When we had houseguests from England, Howard immediately took time to give us all a detailed tour of the village and the Blacksmith Shop. He also invited us to be members of the Manchester Area Historical Society, and eventually we became volunteers too. He helped make us feel at home in Manchester. We are grateful to have known him.
Our heartfelt condolences to Howard’s family.
Franci and Eric van der Schalie

Marilyn Hall Renner

284w ago

When Mr. Parr {as I always called him} came out of the army and started his first teaching job in South Lyon, MI he lived on Liberty St. right across from the only school in that small town. It had to be 1947 or 48. I was a teenager in high school at the time; was to graduate in 1950 and lived in the next block down from his house. He taught me history and American Government; the latter which was required in order to graduate back then. A girlfriend and I did not pass the class so he told us we could retake it in the few months left before graduation. Well, I was not a serious student and it didn't enter my head that I may not graduate in 1950. I honestly to this day believe I did not do any better on the second exam Mr. Parr gave us but he passed us on so we could go on with our plans and graduate with the rest of the class. He certainly knew what it would do to us if we didn't. Once at a reunion I actually discussed this with him and he just clammed up and was very non committal. He also taught me drivers training and I can honestly say I consider myself a very good driver and have never had an accident due to my fault. I can still remember so many little tips and rules he told me. No matter where it was: whether around town or at a gathering he never failed to know my name and where I came from. His memory was unfailing and his sense of "doing the right thing" even though it really wasn't the right thing has me in his debt forever. I will miss him.

Marilyn Hall Renner
Now living in Manchester

Julia Strimer

285w ago

Howard was the first person I met after I moved to Manchester in 2008. He was sitting in one of the green chairs in the Coffee Mill, and I sat down in the other. We talked mostly about education, since I'd been an English teacher in Trenton Mi prior to my move, and he'd had a long career in educating youth. After that, I met Liz, his daughter--and so began some of the most important relationships of my life. He and Liz and John, her husband, took me on a driving tour of the Parr farms as I began to realize that Howard Parr really WAS "Mr. Manchester".

Then, in 2014, Howard and I made the move to Chelsea Retirement Community, using the same truck. I watched him contribute to CRC just as he had to Manchester--playing the piano and organ, teaching cookie bakes, serving on the Executive Board, and enjoying euchre with new friends. His book signing for his music book filled the mezzanine with 115 people, and his mind continued to be as bright as ever.

Howard was one of the kindest and wisest and funniest and best people I've ever known. He's left that legacy to his large family and to all of us who had the honor of calling him a friend.

Julia Strime

Ray Berg

285w ago

I met Howard when I moved to Manchester in 2003, and got involved with the Manchester Area Historical Society. Over the years, he was "the man" to go to when I got stumped on some sort of historical research project. He told me where I could find what I wanted in the Blacksmith Shop archives, or who to talk to in the village or townships. I always enjoyed his reminisces, his jokes and his straightforward advice. Enjoyed visiting with him in Chelsea over the last three years. Rest in peace Howard - a great 100 years lived.

Ray Berg

John Stedman

285w ago

Rest In Peace grand gentleman. Manchester has lost a brilliant fellow and a walking history book.

Sue Allen

285w ago

in honor of Howard.

We have the blessing to live in the area once known as the “Parr III”. We are eternally grateful to Howard, Leslie, Floyd, and all their extended families. We treasure the memories they have shared with us, especially Howard’s books. The history he has shared with generations of Manchester will live on in perpetuity, as will his kindness and shining example. Howard is reunited with his loved ones now. Though I knew this day would come, we are never truly prepared for it. A couple of my fondest memories of Howard were him winding the clock in the Coffee Mill Cafe and singing a little tune his Mother, Willo, taught her. The other is of him proudly marching in the annual Memorial Day parade wearing his still-fitting WWII uniform.

Our deepest condolences and gratitude to your family,
Sue Allen

A lighted pale blue candle with a small white flower and a few leaves at its base, set against a soft blue background.

Deborah Flateman

285w ago

I met the Parr family when I was a freshman in college. Miriam and I were best of friends. The first time I visited their home I was struck by how wonderfully different it was from my own. In this home, music was everywhere and Howard and Lenora were already setting the family traditions we still see today: cookie baking; jam making; and producing little German dumplings using a spoon that was well worn by generations prior. Howard was in the middle of the magic. He was involved. He was the instigator! For me, it was a taste of how tight families can be. I think that's Howard's legacy--his family, all fine and brilliant in their own right. Yes, this man lived a magnificent 100 years.

David S. Renner

285w ago

I’m so thankful to have known Howard, he was the greatest historian I ever knew.

He taught my mother how to drive and it 86 years old she still an excellent driver.

Jan Steinhauer (Buss, Nali)

285w ago

I have fond memories of Howard, Lenora and the kids. I remember the school reunions, his and moms graduating class had every year. They were such fun. Seeing the folks we only saw once a year. Playing games. Sharing in wonderful picnic lunches. We were just kids then. I, also, remember Howard from the senior citizens. I did enjoy his piano playing as meals were being served. He made the "oldies but goodies" sound fresh and modern. Wonderful memories. I remember his knowledge. He had such a wide range of interest. And he was proficient in all. R.I.P Howard.

Pat Vailliencourt

285w ago

I was newly elected as Village President and excited for my first "Mayor Exchange Day". Lunch was planned at the Blacksmith Shop. As our guest were finishing up and preparing for more tours, Howard insisted on speaking.

Of course he told his favorite joke, The Love Life of a Camel. I pretended to be embarrassed, our guests were laughing and clapping and Howard was grinning. It was the highlight of the day

It became tradition when visitors were here I made Howard promise not to tell the joke and he would, of course.

Howard was the best of Manchester and we will miss him.

Pat Vailliencourt

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