ALTON JAY HOWARD

Jay was born July 31, 1952, in Watervliet, Michigan. He grew up in Watervliet and was a proud member of the graduating class of 1970. Following high school Jay attended Michigan State University where he earned a degree in Civil Engineering. Jay worked as a project manager in highway development for DLZ Engineering until retirement in 2012.

In his spare time you could find Jay enjoying the outdoors canoeing, bicycling, camping and backpacking. He also enjoyed astronomy. Jay will be remembered for being a jack of all trades, he could fix cars and electrical problems. Above everything Jay loved being with his family and being active in all his girls’ activities when they were growing up.

Jay’s loving family he leaves behind to cherish his memory includes: his wife of 39 years, Beth Ferguson Howard; two daughters Kelly Howard and Megan Howard (Ian Jeffrey); two grandsons Brantley and Brayden; his sister Alora Davis; and two nephews Keith Davis and Kenneth Davis.

Jay died Friday, May 15, 2026, at home surrounded by family.

He is preceded in death by his parents Alton and Esther (Anthony) Howard.

Hutchins Funeral Home in Watervliet is assisting Jay’s family with cremation. Jay’s family will celebrate his life with a visitation Tuesday, June 2, 2026, from 5 to 7 p.m. at Hutchins Funeral Home in Watervliet. Memorials may be made in Jay’s memory to Kirk Gibson Foundation for Parkinson’s, 31440 Northwestern Hwy Suite 185, Farmington Hills, MI 48334. You are invited to leave a message of comfort for Jay’s family at hutchinsfuneral.com.