Howard L. Alger passed away with his family by his side on Monday, Feb. 3, 2025. He was 91.
He was born on Dec. 7, 1933, to Warren and Margaret (Kruger) Alger. On June 28, 1953, he married Donna Murdock in Walnut. They spent 63 years together before Donna passed away in February 2018. In 1956, he was drafted in the United States Army and served in the Korean War until 1958. He was stationed in Japan. Once he was back in the States, he collected antique cars for the next 67 years.
In 1966, Howard and Donna were blessed with a son, Russell J. Alger.
Howard was known for his sweet tooth and orneriness, and he was a car enthusiast. In 1980 he bought Denison Welding Supply in Fredonia and later opened another store in Chanute.
Then in June 2016, he sold his legacy to The Thompson Brothers. In 2017, Howard, Donna and Rusty opened Howard’s Toys For Big Boys antique car museum. He loved filling his time by attending many car auctions and spending time with friends in the Howard’s Hot Rod’s Car Club, as well as the Wednesday morning coffee and donuts group. He was blessed to have many friends. He will be missed dearly by all. He was also a member of the First Christian Church.
Howard is survived by his son, Rusty (Jamie) of Chanute; three granddaughters, Angela Alger (Kane Norris), Walnut, Janet Naff (Matt) and Kristy Friederich (Jamie) of Chanute; five great-grandchildren, Hunter Friederich (Dannah), Kamri Naff, Karter Naff, Drake Friederich, Chanute, Khross Norris, Walnut; a great-great-grandson, Baylor Friederich, Chanute; a sister-inlaw, Lois Zeller; a brother-in-law, Larry Cromwell; a sister- and brother-in-law, Linda and George Kaemmerling; and nieces and nephews.
Howard was preceded in death by his loving wife; his parents; his brothers, Melvin Alger and Kenneth Alger; a sister, Marjorie Cromwell; and sisters-in-laws, Dora Alger and Venus Murdock.
The family will receive friends from 9 to 10 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 8, at the First Christian Church in Chanute. The service will follow at 10. Burial will follow at Memorial Park Cemetery with full military honors. The family suggests memorials to the First Christian Church. Arrangements are under the direction of Countryside Funeral Home in Chanute.
