Howard Happ

Andrew Howard Happ, 86, passed away on February 21, 2024.

Howard was born to Andrew and Ellen (Chase) Happ in Palmer, Kansas on January 8, 1938. He graduated from Linn High School in 1956, earned a BS in Education at Emporia State University in 1960, continued his education at Louisiana State University through a National Science Foundation grant and eventually obtained his Master’s degree from Emporia State in 1965.

Howard taught for 38 years beginning in Wellington, Kansas in 1960. After three years he moved to Shawnee Mission West high school in Overland Park, KS and continued to teach math for 35 more years retiring from his rewarding career in 1998. During his tenure he coached the Girls High School golf team.

He met his one true love, Linda Fluke Happ, at a church Sunday school party. They were happily married for 58 years.

In his spare time, Howard loved fishing, golfing and gardening. He competed in the 1977 Bass Masters Classic. He and Linda spent a portion of every summer in Ontario, Canada enjoying north-country fishing adventures starting in the late 1960’s. He was an accomplished gardener as the neighborhood would attest to his amazing tomato harvests.

He was preceded in death by his parents, sister Rhea, brother-in-law Calvin Wilgers, and nephew Brad Wilgers.

He is survived by wife, Linda, son Drew(Amy Manhart) of Jackson, Wyoming, daughter Renee of Smithville, Missouri, granddaughter Taylor Charbonneau of Lacrosse, WI, granddaughter Lauren Charbonneau, great-grandson Cayden of Smithville, MO, and niece Jayne Wurtz of Greenleaf, KS and great nephews” Jerin Wurtz of Seneca, KS and Chad Wurtz of Washington, KS.

He was a lifelong Methodist and a member of Church of the Resurrection Overland Park.

His Celebration of Life will be on April 6, 2024 at 11:00 AM at the Church of the Resurrection Overland Park at 8412 W 95th Street.

Memorial contributions can be made to the Sunday evening meals program in care of The Church of the Resurrection Overland Park.