Howard E. “Howie” Beal, 74, of Elyria, passed away Friday, March 14, 2014, at New Life Hospice Residential Center of St. Joseph, following a short illness. He was a lifelong resident of Elyria.

After graduating from Elyria High School in 1958, he went on to serve in the U.S. Army from 1961-62. He then went to work for Harshaw Chemical in Elyria, where he worked for 16 years before joining with Ford Motor Company at the Ohio Assembly Plant in Avon Lake, working as an electrician 28 years, retiring in 2002.

He was a member of the UAW Local 2000 and a life member of Amvets Post #32. He was an active 32nd degree Mason with the Masonic Lodge, having served as Past Worshipful Master of the Sheffield Masonic Lodge 628, and then later became active with the Black River Masonic Lodge 786 F & AM in Lorain.

He enjoyed super stock car racing at various tracks, including Lorain County Speedway and was an avid fan of Nascar.

Survivors include his son, Richard of Cresent City, California; two daughters, Margo (Brian) Flora of Medford, Oregon and Paula Beal of Cresent City; stepsons, Alan, Randy and Michael Leiby; and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren; two sisters, Kathy Hixenbungh of Las Vegas and Betty Hallauer of Lorain; his long time companion, Kathy Pavlik; and her two daughters, Joyce Dolan and Tina Woodards.

He was preceded in death by his first wife, Charlene in 1991; his second wife, Mary in 2001; his parents, Howard G. and Margaret Beal; brother, Harvey John Beal; sisters, Maxine Phillips and Rosemary Fink; and stepson, Daniel Leiby.

The family will receive friends 5 until 8 P.M., Tuesday, March 18, 2014, at the Bogner Family Funeral Home, 36625 Center Ridge Road, North Ridgeville, where a Masonic service will be conducted at 7 P.M. Funeral services will be held 11 A,M,m Wednesday, March 19, 2014, in the funeral home. Reverend Sam Williams, Pastor of North Eaton Church of God, will officiate. Interment will follow in North Murray Ridge Cemetery, Elyria.

Memorial contributions are suggested to New Life Hospice, 3700 Kolbe Road, Lorain, OH 44053 or Black River Masonic Lodge 786, 3695 Pearl Avenue, Lorain, OH 44052.

For further information or to send an online condolence, please visit bognerfamilyfuneralhome.com