Howard William Calame, Sr.

Howard William Calame Sr., 80, of Medina went to his heavenly home on June 20, 2023.

Howard was born January 21, 1943 to the late Charles and Zelda (nee Johnson) Calame. He grew up on farms in Wayne, Ashland and Medina Counties. At the age of five, he began driving tractors and helping his father with the field work.

Howard was employed at Mack Industries in Valley City as a Ready Mix driver and at Zion Industries in Valley City as a delivery driver. He was a member of Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church in Valley City and served with his wife as Luther League advisors. He was also a member of York Township Historical Society and Medina County Antique Power Association.

Howard’s passions were playing softball and 2-cylinder John Deere tractors. Having to hurry home from school each day to work the family farm in Weymouth, he never had the opportunity to play sports at Medina High School, from where he graduated in 1960. His neighbor and best friend, George Mueller, coaxed him to try out for the Abbeyville Fastpitch Softball team. Being a shy fellow, Howie was introduced to Janice Gunkelman, daughter of the late Ray and Dorothy Gunkelman, who owned the ballfield and farm in the center of Abbeyville. They were married May 2, 1964, a week before opening day of Abbeyville softball.

Howie played both fastpitch (Abbeyville, Sterling, RedHaw, Spencer) and slowpitch (Medina Eagles, Abbeyville, Gene’s Sohio, and Zion Lutheran Church amongst others) from 1961 to 1992. He was proud to play fastpitch with his sons, Howie, Jr. and Jim before he hung up his glove. He cherished the friendship of his teammates throughout his life.

Howard loved the sound of 2-cylinder John Deere tractors from his early farming days. The family surprised him with his own restored John Deere 730, 830, and 620 tractors which he proudly displayed at the Medina County Antique Show and Medina County Fair. He also enjoyed being a “Carpet Farmer” collecting farm toys and attending the National Farm Toy Show in Iowa every November. Again, he cherished the friends that traveled with him each year.

Howard will be greatly missed by his beloved wife of 59 years, Janice (nee Gunkelman); loving father of Janeen, Howard Jr (Tara), Jim (Audrey), infant son Jeffrey (deceased) and Janelle (deceased); cherished grandfather of Kaley (Clayton) Wilson, Margaret (Travis) Auth, Alaina (Shane) Hebebrand, and Zachary Calame; dear brother of Joy Simmons and Charles Calame (deceased); loving aunts, nieces, nephews and cousins.

A private family graveside service was held on Thursday, June 22, 2023 at Zion Lutheran Cemetery. A Celebration of Life gathering of family and friends will be held at a later date.

Special thanks to the staff of Life Care Center of Medina and Gentiva Hospice for their compassionate care.

Memorial contributions may be made to Zion Lutheran Church, 2233 Abbeyville Road, Valley City, Ohio 44280 or a ministry of one’s choice.

The Bauer Funeral Home, Valley City, OH has the honor of serving the Calame family.

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