HOWARD CRAIG HANDEL

Howard Craig Handel, 82, of Gulf Breeze, wonderful husband and father, passed away on June 23, 2007. He is survived by his beloved wife of 57 years, Diane, his three children, daughter Christine Casey and her husband David, son Craig Handel and his wife Donna, and son Mark Handel and his wife, Mary. He is also survived by 5 grandsons: Matthew and Jeffrey Casey, Andrew Casey and his wife Jessica, and Dustin and Jordan Handel and sisters Geraldine Flatt and Shirley Malone.

Howard served during the Second World War in the United States Army Air Corps with the 14th Air Force Flying Tigers from 1943-1945. He graduated from St. Louis University School of Commerce and Finance in 1948 and worked his entire career for Edison Brothers Stores Inc. During his career he and Diane lived in St. Louis, MO until 1984, when they relocated to Columbia, MD. He retired in 1987 as Vice President in Charge of Merchandise Control. He and Diane retired in Gulf Breeze, FLin 1991.

An accomplished and avid bridge player, Howard also loved music, preparing gourmet meals, and entertaining his many friends and family. He was a volunteer at Oriole Beach Elementary School where he mentored second graders in reading. He was a new member of the Gulf Breeze Optimists Club and was looking forward to participating in their activities.

A memorial service was held Friday June 29 at 10:30 a.m. at St Francis of Assisi Church where he was a member since 1991. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to St. Francis of Assisi Episcopal Church for the Howard Handel Memorial Scholarship Fund, 1 St. Francis Drive, Gulf Breeze.