Howard Hale Bankhurst

Howard Hale Bankhurst of Twinsburg, Ohio (formerly of Hudson, Ohio) peacefully passed away on Saturday, January 11, 2025 at 90 years old, reunited with the love of his life, Marilyn.

Howard was born on April 23, 1934 in Cleveland, Ohio to the late John William and Daisy Howard Bankhurst. Howard was the loving husband of the late Marilyn Dunch Bankhurst and the proud father of John Bankhurst (Ryan Kin) of Chicago, Illinois and Jane Bankhurst McMullen (Glenn McMullen) of Aurora, Ohio. He was also the doting “Grampy” to Reid and Sloane McMullen. He is also survived by brother Arthur Bankhurst (Lois) of Albuquerque, New Mexico, numerous nieces and nephews, and hundreds of friends from the last nine decades. He was predeceased by his brother John William Bankhurst, Junior. 

Howard grew up in Beachwood, Ohio and graduated from Shaker Heights High School. He graduated from Western Reserve University as a member of Phi Gamma Delta (FIJI) with a degree in Business Administration. After graduation, Howard joined the U.S. Navy as an Officer, Lt. JG. Howard proudly served the country on the U.S.S. Tawara, making lifelong friends from his four years in the Navy. Howard went on to have a career in sales, working at Dow Chemical, Arvey Corporation and Cleveland Plywood Company. Howard traveled the world extensively after his time in the Navy, and also lived in Los Angeles and Buffalo. He built a strong network of friends during this time, including many lifelong friends from the Suburban Ski Club.

Howard’s life changed when he met the love of his life, Marilyn Dunch, whom he married in 1975. They settled in a new house in Hudson, Ohio and created a beautiful life. Howard was an active member of the community, from coaching softball teams, to acting in plays, and faithfully serving at Christ Church Episcopal in the center of Hudson. Howard and Marilyn started their family shortly after arriving in Hudson, and lived in the same house for nearly 45 years until Marilyn’s passing in 2020. Howard spent his last year at Maplewood in Twinsburg, which his family is grateful for the loving care that allowed him to maintain his happy and optimistic spirit until the end of his life.

Howard discovered a passion for wine after a trip to visit his brother in France over five decades ago. Howard became a passionate wine collector and connoisseur and was a member of several wine groups, including the Commanderie de Bordeaux where he served on the Board of the Cleveland chapter. His love of wine took him to France and California many times in his life, and he loved sharing his knowledge and collection with friends and strangers alike.

Family and friends are welcome to celebrate Howard’s life on Saturday, January 18, 2025 at 11 a.m. at Christ Church Episcopal at 21 Aurora Street in Hudson with a reception to follow. A livestream will also be available on the church website. While Howard loved flowers, you can honor his legacy with a donation to Christ Church Episcopal of Hudson (https://www.christchurchhudson.com/give.html) or Hudson Community Foundation (https://myhcf.org/) which supports the concerts in the bandstand on the green in Hudson that Howard so enjoyed. Or simply be kind to a stranger, as to Howard, a stranger was a friend he had not met yet.

Condolences and special memories of Howard can be shared with his family online at www.heritagecremationsociety.com.