Howard Cremeens

Howard Cremeens, age 77, of Point Place, Ohio, went home to hug Jesus on September 16, 2026.

He was born on September 13, 1949, in Toledo, Ohio, to Ruth and Harry Cremeens.

Howard was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend. He married his beloved wife, Iva Jane Cremeens, on March 6, 1971, and together they shared 52 wonderful years of marriage.

They built their life in Point Place, purchasing a red-brick ranch home that naturally became the beating heart of family holidays. Around their huge dining-room table, family would gather for meals followed by board games at the same table that lasted deep into the night. Their home truly had an open door; everyone was welcome to walk right in without knocking or calling ahead, sit down, and visit. It was a haven where family and friends instantly felt at home.

As Howard and Jane grew older, their granddaughter Crystal became a steadfast source of loving devotion. She cared for them both with extraordinary patience, compassion, and time a priceless gift of support that their entire family remembers with profound gratitude.

A proud veteran, Howard served in the United States Army. He lent his hands to hardworking days at Control Rubber and Plabell Rubber Products before spending many years at The University of Toledo, where he ultimately retired.

Those who knew and loved Howard will forever cherish his quiet devotions: the tender care he showed Jane throughout the years; his soft spot for all the pets they shared; the long, easy talks out in the garage, a true man cave long before the term even existed; the characteristic way he would look up towards the ceiling whenever speaking about something serious; and his genuine appreciation for foreign cars, particularly Audis, Lexuses, and Toyotas.

Family will also fondly remember the running family joke that Howard never quite managed to buy Jane anything she had remotely wished for at Christmas.

A man of faith, Howard found joy in serving as an usher at the former Cathedral of Praise, now known as Church on Strayer. Yet, above all, his simplest and greatest joy was simply sitting with a throw across his lap in the living room with Jane, watching TV by her side.

Howard is survived by his three children, Lori, Jeff, and James "Jim" Cremeens; seven grandchildren, Crystal, Shannon, Michael, Christina, John, Jeffrey, and Amber; many beloved great-grandchildren; his sister-in-law, Dora (Gary) Anderson; his brothers-in-law, Eugene (Cathy) Dobrzynski and John (Joy) Dobrzynski; many nieces and nephews. ONE special niece, Kristen, who, as Jane lovingly liked to say always "had her Uncle Howard wrapped around her finger"; and a wide circle of extended family and friends who will miss him deeply.

Howard considered Gary far more than a brother-in-law; Gary was his true brother and best friend. Throughout the time Howard spent in the nursing home, Gary visited multiple times each week, always arriving with his favorite snacks, a testament to a steadfast loyalty and brotherhood that meant the world to him.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Jane; his brother, Jim (Angel), of Florida; three grandchildren; his son-in-law, Sean O'Malley; and Jane's very best friend, Paula Derush, who was truly like family.

Howard will be remembered for the love he gave, the welcoming home he built, the family he cherished, and the quiet, steady way he touched those who knew him.

To honor Howard's memory, his family invites you to carry his spirit forward: volunteer to visit seniors at a local nursing home, take time out of your week to call a loved one you haven't spoken to in a while, or attend a service at a local Bible-based church.

Howard's Life Celebration will be Friday September 25, 2026, from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m. when the funeral service will begin in Urbanski Funeral Home a Life Celebration Home 5055 Secor Rd. Toledo, Ohio. Interment will follow in Restlawn Memorial Park, Perrysburg, Ohio.

Memorial contributions may be made to support causes close to his heart:

* The Wounded Warrior Project (supporting veterans like Howard through support.woundedwarriorproject.org)

* The Rafiki Foundation (furthering Christian education and mission work at rafikifoundation.org/give)