Howard Free Carkhuff, 95, passed away Friday, September 28, 2018 in Salt Lake City, Utah, while outside on a warm autumn day, in the sunshine, surrounded by the love of his family. He had just been visited by all of his sons, their spouses, and their families. He was born April 1, 1923 in Williamsfield, Ohio to Gladys (Loach) and Free A. Carkhuff. Howard married Josephine Theresa Vinci on November 14, 1942.

Howard is a U.S. Army veteran and served his country in the European Theatre during WWII. He worked many years for the Willoughby/Eastlake school system prior to retirement. He also owned/operated his own farm and grew grapes, peaches, and apples. Howard will always be remembered as a man of integrity, selflessness, strength, love, and total devotion to his family.

He is survived by his children, Howard (Terry) Carkhuff, Thomas (Katy) Carkhuff, Michael (Nancy) Carkhuff, James (Diane) Carkhuff, Delores (Steve) Merrell; 16 grandchildren; 17 great grandchildren; 1 great great grandchild; brother, Richard Carkhuff; sister, Maude Ferrini; and several loved nieces and nephews. Howard is preceded by his wife Josephine of 63 beautiful years; his parents; and sister Grace Simbeck.
Friends may call 11am to 1pm, Saturday, October 6, 2018 at The Behm Family Funeral Home, 175 South Broadway Rd., Geneva, Ohio, 44041. Funeral service will be 1pm, celebrated by Pastor Rick Hughes at the funeral home. Final resting place will be with his wife at Greenlawn Memorial Gardens in North Kingsville, Ohio, where a military color guard service will be observed by the Conneaut American Legion Cowle Post 151. Terry Carkhuff will assist the American Legion with a bagpipe tribute.

Friends may leave condolences online at www.behmfuneral.com