Michael Ames Howard

Michael Ames Howard was born on April 4, 1948, in Arkansas City to William and Geralee Howard.  He passed away peacefully on August 14, 2023, at the age of 75.

Mike led a full life.  He excelled at athletics which led to 9 letters at Arkansas City High School, including football, basketball, and tennis. He received a full-ride scholarship playing tennis at Oklahoma State University, where he was a member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon, played #1 in singles and doubles, and was runner-up in the Big Eight Doubles Championship.

Upon graduation, Mike studied at the University of Kansas School of Law. While in law school, he was hired as the men’s head tennis coach.  He served in that role from 1971 to 1975, personally raising 6 full tennis scholarships for the team and recruiting/coaching the first-ever All-American player in the Big 8. He also served as the Assistant Athletic Director at KU from 1974-1975.

He met Brett Stewart in 1974 in Lawrence Kansas.  They were married in January 1976.

After his work with the University of Kansas, Mike opened First Serve, a retail store specializing in ski and tennis equipment, apparel, athletic shoes, and screen printing.  The store expanded into 9 locations across multiple states. That was just the beginning, throughout the years he became an expert salesman and leader.

Mike helped build the Kaepa Athletic Shoe account base from 3 to 636, earning him the US Salesman of the Year Award in 1989. He continued to build his incredible sales career with Javelin and Jurni, and K-Swiss, where he received the US Salesman of the Year Award and the company won Regional Sales Company of the Year in 1998.

Along with his passion for entrepreneurship, Mike was a jack of all trades, always staying busy! Throughout the years he developed land, built a beautiful ranch, and raised hundreds of Texas Longhorn cattle, many of which became World Champions. His biggest passions in life were his three children, and his seven grandchildren, hunting and fishing with his very best friends, and playing tennis.

Mike is preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his children, Hendley Brook Stockebrand (children Maddox and Rowan), Michael Ames Howard II, and Piper Howard Deans (husband Jay and children Lawson, Harlan, Halsey, and Henley), his brother Robert William Howard II (Karen), sister Barclay Ross (Frank), and four wonderful nieces and nephews.

Mike has left a legacy of discipline, the importance of family, and hard work.  His memory will serve as a constant inspiration to those who knew him.  He will be missed every day.

Cremation arrangements are in the care of Campanella & Stewart Funeral Home of Wamego, KS.

Private services will be held at a later date.