BRISTOL — Herbert L. "Howie" Sass, 90, of Bristol, passed away peacefully at 1:30 a.m. Sunday, Nov, 27, at his home with his immediate family at his side following an extended illness.

He was born in St. Paul, Minn., March 11, 1926, to the late Louis and Elsie (Winkle) Sass, and later married Shirley A. Hughes, who survives him at home.

Also surviving are 5 sons and 4 daughters, including Kevin A. (Sue) Call of Elkhart, Todd Call of Plymouth and Lisa A. Call of Bristol, as well as 2 brothers, 2 sisters and a multitude of grand and great-grandchildren, including Chad, Corey and Molly Call.

Preceding him in death were 3 brothers and 2 sisters.

Billings Funeral Home of Elkhart is honored to host Howie's memorial life celebration from 4 to 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 2.

In accordance with his wishes, cremation has taken place.

Howie was an over-the-road truck driver for Murphy Motor Freight of St. Paul, retiring in 1987.

He was a kind and loving fellow and was simply adored by children and animals of all types, having an almost "Santa Clause"-like attraction.

He lived a life based on the simple values of love, loyalty, gratitude and trust and his best days were spent at his home with his family and the woodland friends that he enjoyed watching through his living room window, reigning as "king" of all that he surveyed.

Howie's family would like to thank Heartland Hospice and the medical teams on the 4th and 6th floors at Elkhart General Hospital for the outpouring of love and care extended to Howie during his illness.

Memorial donations may be given to the Humane Society of Elkhart County and Heartland Hospice.

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