Howard Charles Hall

 

With his family by his side, Howard passed away on January 22, 2025, at Staunton Community Hospital after a brave battle with Alzheimer’s Disease. He was 64 years old.

 

Howard Charles Hall was born on May 22, 1960 to William C. and Elaine C. (Zoschke) of Mt. Olive. Howard married the love of his life, Laurie J. Dragovich, on June 21, 1980. High school sweethearts, Howard and Laurie were happily married for over 44 years.

 

Howard attended Immanuel Lutheran Grade School, Mt. Olive Jr. High and Mt. Olive High School, graduating in the Class of 1978. After graduating from Ranken Technical College in May of 1980, Howard began working for McDonnell Douglas, later Boeing, in St. Louis, Missouri. In 2015, Howard retired after working 35 years as a machinist, and he was an active member of the Machinist District Lodge 837.

 

When he was not working, it was never hard to find Howard playing, coaching, or watching sports. He cherished the time he spent coaching his children in soccer, baseball, and softball, and he loved watching his grandchildren participate in all of their activities. He was an avid St. Louis Cardinals and St. Louis Blues fan. He enjoyed playing softball for years, and he was always looking forward to League Nights whether for bowling or golf. It was also a common sight to see Howard riding his bike. He looked forward to riding in the Tour de Donut every year. Riding his motorcycle, “Harley,” was also one of his favorite pastimes.

 

In addition to his leisure activities, Howard was actively involved in his community. Having spent his entire life in Mt. Olive, the community was extremely important to him. He was proud to serve on the Mt. Olive City Council for over 30 years, he was a life-long member of the Turner Hall, and he was an active member of St. John Paul Catholic Church and the Knights of Columbus.

 

Howard valued hard work, and he never shied away from helping others. He was always ready to lend a hand when he could help. A real-life “Mr. Fix-It,” he could fix anything. Yard work was a passion for him, and he would spend hours outside. Howard was an animal-lover who especially loved his dog, Stanley. He could be seen all around town walking “Stan-the-Man.” After Stan’s passing, Howard adopted a big, little girl, Gracie. She became his new partner in crime.

 

People were also important to Howard, and he loved to talk…to anyone and everyone about any subject. Whether you were a total stranger or a life-long friend, Howard’s charm and kind nature made people feel instantly at ease. He loved spending precious time with his family on yearly beach vacations. He enjoyed the company of good friends and family whether on a softball field, at a bowling alley, or on a golf course. There was not anything that Howard would not do for his “people.” Howard was a rare gem. He was a dedicated husband, father, grandfather, son-in-law, brother, brother-in-law, father-in-law and friend.

 

In addition to his wife Laurie, Howard is survived by a son, Matthew (Morgan) Hall, a daughter, Jennifer (Doug) Becker, four grandchildren: Emerson Hall, Thea Becker, Holden Becker, and Finley Becker. His mother-in-law, Marilyn (Babe) Dragovich, a sister, Nancy (Don) Thomas, a sister-in-law, Judy (Dragovich) Aydt, a brother-in-law, Steve (Donna) Dragovich, and many nieces, nephews and friends.

 

He was preceded in death by his parents, Bill and Elaine Hall, a sister, Carol (Hall) Ackerman, and a brother-in-law, Bill Ackerman, and a father-in-law, Lavern (Bover) Dragovich.

 

Visitation will take place at St. John Paul II Catholic Church in Mt. Olive, IL on Sunday, January 26, 2025 from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. and again on Monday, January 27, 2025 from 10 a.m.- 11 a.m. A funeral mass, which will be officiated by Father Thomas Hagstrom, will begin at 11 a.m. Interment will be at the Calvary Cemetery in Mt. Olive, IL. Lunch for friends and family will be served at St. John Paul II Church Hall immediately following interment.

 

Pallbearers are: Steve Dragovich, Adam Aydt, Steven Thomas, Tony Dragovich, Rob Niehaus, Mark Binney, Mark Woods and Steve McLaughlin. Honorary pallbearers are: Don Thomas, Chris Thomas, Luke Dragovich and Dennis Aydt.

 

Memorials are suggested to Adopt-a-Pet, the Mt. Olive Academic Foundation, and Mt. Olive Sports and Rec.

 

Becker and Son Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Anyone wishing to leave an online condolence may do so at beckerandson.com.