Howard H. Drewitz Jr., 66, of Largo, FL, passed away on Friday, September 25, 2015, at the Madonna Ptak Morton Plant Rehabilitation Center in Clearwater, FL. He was born in Detroit, MI and moved permanently to Largo, FL in 1998.
Howard was a “Man of God” who served as a pastor at a number of churches. Most recently he served at the citylife church in Tampa, FL. Howard was a people person and he loved and treasured being able to minister to them. He spent the majority of his free time serving at the church. He was a worshiper of God.
He was a person that loved cars, dogs and fashion. Howard was always dressed perfectly and even worked in a number of men’s fashion stores. He liked to laugh and to have fun.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Howard and Alice. He is survived by his wife of forty-six years, Judy; son, Preston (Lesley); brothers, Duane and Richard; sisters, Darlene and Deborah; granddaughter, Gwendolyn; and many nieces, nephews and friends.
A Celebration of Life will be held at 7:00pm on Tuesday, October 6, 2015, at citylife church. The church is located at 8411 North Dale Mabry Highway, Tampa, FL 33614.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the citylife church missions department.
Pastor Howard was a Blessing in disguise. And when he spoke, It was always what I needed to hear .He was a loving man and Loved Ms. Judy and family . He always gave me a gentle hug. I will always remember him and where he sat at the church. His smile was bright and came from the inside. He will be missed. Love you my friend. Letty and Bobby
In 2010 I was unemployed and volunteered to run around with Pastor Howard as he went for chemo and doctor visits and spent every weekday doing so. What I never expected was being ministered to. What a blessing has been having him as a friend for the last 7 years. His love for Judy and Preston is what impressed me the most, what an example!!
I’m missing you already… Yup, yup, yup
Howard was truly a man after the heart of God. He loved to minister and help people in their crisis. He always had an encouraging word for me personally when I was going through the loss of my mate. There are just some things we’ll never understand this side of heaven. But nothing catches our God by surprise. Our Father has a plan that far surpasses any understanding we may have. My prayer for the family is that God will comfort your hearts through each day and know that our Father has hidden miracles yet to come especially for Judy, Preston, Leslie and the siblings.
Heaven has gained a great man and because he was so great, your loss is greater, but not in vain.
Love and Prayers,
An AWESOME humble, delightful man of God. Always comforting…Always ready to listen & help…Always ready with a hug to lift your spirits! A wonderful servant leader at citylife church. You will Always be missed & Always Loved.
Love,
Your Friends
Michele & Edward
One of the warmest and most comforting conversations I’ve had at CityLife, after my father passed away, was with Pastor Howard. I’ll never forget his encouraging words, and how helpful he always was with my family. I know that he and dad are now worshipping together in the presence of God. Although we will miss having him here, we can rejoice knowing that we’ll soon be able to worship with our loved ones in glory one day.
When my husband and I first came to CityLife Church, Pastor Howard was the one that greeted and gave us the right hand of fellowship with such a warm welcome. He always were concerned about people’s lives and their relationship with God. During the loss of my husband, he was there to give me words of encouragement. His hugs meant the world to me, he knew my pain. Pastor Howard touched many lives and he truly will be missed. He really was God’s angel. Sis. Judy, keep the faith, my prayers are with you and your family.
God Bless
Sis. Geneva
My brother was truly a great brother. He taught me to stay at the alter to pray and sometimes be the last one to leave at Brightmoor Tabernacle. When I tended to drift a little in my faith he was always a rock of consistency and a good big brother to sometimes listen to me. His overwhelming interest next to God and family to me was his love for church ministry in practice and being knowledgeable of great ministries around the nation and the world. He taught me how to tie a tie and be just a bit more fashionable. He taught me about hot Corvettes and Mazerattis. I loved his efforts to talk sports with me, a self proclaimed trivia guy, and he became quite knowledgeable himself in his latter years. When he spoke in tongues or gave interpretations it was trusted and was electric to where you could hear a pin drop. This was passed down from our beloved mother. We both could make each other laugh and he was our oldest beloved brother of our most excellent family. I will miss him….Love Duane.
My thoughts and prayers are for the entire family and friends. May God give you the strength and encouragement during this difficult time of grief. May You feel His loving arms around you as He comforts your hearts and gives you the peace, and hope you need to carry on. My deepest heartfelt condolences. Love, hugs and prayers, (cousin) Sherry
A true man of God, when you took time to come and visit me at my home and we both got to know each other and your concern for others. I know you touched a lot of people like me. Our prayers are for your loving family, Arnold & Laura Goldfoot
I am so very sorry for your great loss! Our loss is surely heaven’s gain! I’m sure Mom and Dad Drewitz were so very happy to see their boy! I love you all! Hugs!
Words seem so inadequate to describe my cousin, he always used his life and actions to speak to people. He was a man of God that touched a lot of people everywhere he went. In many ways he mirrored his parents-he never spoke many words, but when he did, you would always listen. Even though as adults we didn’t get much time together, he left a legacy for this family to follow. We will deeply miss his presence here, but what a reunion in heaven some day! Our thoughts, prayers and love are with all the family. Bruce & Debbie Rahlf
My mind goes back to the 1950’s when our cousins, the Drewitz’s would come and visit us in Winnipeg, Canada. He was known to me as Howie- and we were the same age, although my dad was his actual first cousin. He was true blue, a lover of God, and one who never veered from his faith in God and relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ! He was an example to so many people of what a true Christian was, and for that reason he impacted many people in so many positive ways. I respected his call into the ministry, and watched as he fulfilled that call to the service of Jesus Christ. His mom and dad (dear to us all) were so proud of Howie! To Judy, Preston, and his siblings, we cover you in prayer during this difficult time.
I will always remember the many conversations I had with my brother Howie over the years…we could talk for hours about the Lord, not to mention the periodic theological debate. We had shared interests in ministry, along with career paths that gave us opportunities to share the gospel on church staffs, and in Christian media. Needless to say, we could talk…But, what I will miss the most is the sense that Howie was always there…for whatever I needed…he and Judy would be my first call if I needed anything…particularly in the years when my husband Rick was traveling more..Howie was our rock in the family…He took the mantle of leadership so readily and easily after our parents died…I will miss talking to him, and our random text messages…I will treasure the Sunday afternoon I spent with Howie recently…Just the two of us..I love you Howie…will miss you so much….Your Sister Darlene Drewitz Greenlee
Such an amazing servant of God! I am sorry to have to be reading this about “little Howie” (as we called him growing up)…but it’s nice to hear what an incredible guy he was! I know heaven is rejoicing to receive such an awesome man of God in glory as well as Uncle Howie and Aunt Alice. I know this has been a tremendous loss, however, for his family here and my heart and prayers continue to be with you during this time. I didn’t know Howie Jr. well, being just a little kid at the time we were growing up, but I admired all of the older cousins from a distance. I know that we will all have eternity in heaven to get to know one another better and look forward with great anticipation of that day! Your family is constantly on my mind these days and I love you all so much!
My big brother, Howie, has gone home to to a wonderful heavenly reward. He left a legacy as a faithful husband, loving father and grandfather all throughout the days of his adult life. He stayed the course. He remained faithful to our good and gracious Lord in spite of a very difficult personal diagnosis. Three days before his death he called and prayed for my wife Linda’s healing from stage 4 breast cancer. But then, that was him, always thinking of the good of others first.
I am Howie’s cousin. Here is one of my memories of Howie.
When he was about 14 or 15 he came to visit our family farm in Wisconsin. One night we went out to the little town of Merrill – all 9000 people! We took cousin Sandy (Owens) along who was one year older than Howie. I drove because I was 16 and we took an old black Ford 12 miles from the farm to Merrill.
The first thing we did was go to the one building that had an elevator and rode it up and down and down and up. We thought we were so cool! Well it was getting late and we headed back to the farm. It was late and we had a long driveway. So we decided to cut the engine and Howie and and Sandy pushed the car the length of the driveway – no noise, no consequences!!! At least that is what we thought.
BUT there at the end of the driveway was my father – “Is there something wrong with the engine?”
How quickly the end came to our night of frolic and fun!!
What can I say about such a loving and caring servant of our Lord and Savior. He was always there, just in time, to encourage my husband and I during a very difficult time. Pastor Howard showed up, out of the blue, (truly God’s perfect timing) with his arms reaching out to help me with my weak and failing husband. Judy, there were many with arms open wide to welcome your husband to his reward in Heaven. May you find comfort and peace in knowing that God, your church, family and friends have arms open wide for you, Preston and Lesley.
Always trusting in My Lord and Savior Jesus,
Peggy Landes
My uncle Howie was the most godly person i have ever met. He was so strong in his faith…even when my dad wanted to talk about sports, he always ended the conversation about something regarding gods good will. On that Friday, the 25th of September I sat beside Howie with my dad and my family. He looked rough, but continued to fight, and fight, and fight until his body couldn’t take it anymore. I saw him eat his last meal, I saw our whole family say there last prayers before he passed. Right before his passing, he made the funniest gesture ever. He told Judy her hands weren’t moist enough for him, and it got us all cracking up to the point of tears. I know 100% for sure uncle Howie is looking down upon us telling us not to grieve, telling us it’s okay…because he is walking in streets of gold, talking with old friends and his parents, praising the lord endlessly for eternity. R.I.P Howard Drewitz, you were a saint and God will honor you in heaven for all the hard work you put in on this place we call Earth.
My Uncle Howie was one of the most treasured people in my life. He was a wonderful man of God and he had the best sense of humor. He was a prayer warrior, so much like grandma. I will be forever grateful to Uncle Howie for making the trip to Michigan this past February to officiate my wedding. It was an incredible labor of love that my husband and I will never forget. We are so thankful for the time we had with him preparing for that defining moment in our lives and we cannot imagine having been guided by anyone else. Uncle Howie will be greatly missed here on earth but I take comfort in knowing that he is no longer in pain, he is catching up with papa and grandma, and most importantly, he is walking side by side with Jesus.
We love and miss you, Uncle Howie, but we know that we will see you again. Thank you for being an incredible example of Christ’s love.
Ben and Amy Dage
I feel like another chapter in our lives has expired. The loss is felt so extremely. We regret having lived so far away for so many years and yet we felt a closeness to our dear nephew, Howie Jr. However, this too shall pass as we come nearer to the day when time and miles will be overcome and we are all reunited in eternity.
There is no greater reward than the one Howie has received which is ‘well done thou good and faithful servant’. It is what each of us desire. Let it be so. We, at the funeral of Wibs Drewitz 2 years ago, were so blest to have Howie help officiate. It was like no interim had occurred. Just family stuff ‘according to Howie.’ He was willing to be there ‘way’out in California!
Now we have many other beautiful memories that God must help us to recall. At this old aunties age it ‘aint’ easy but
they are all good! We love you, family, each and everyone and pray God’s peace fill your hearts at this difficult time.
May God’s presence surround you daily. Lovingly, Uncle Charlie, Aunt Elaine and Cousin Brent Rahlf
My Friendship with Howard and Judy has been a long time. Over 35 years. Howard reminds me of the friends in the Bible that took their paralytic friend to see Jesus and could not get in because of the crowds. Luke 5. They went to the roof of the building and removed the tiles. They lowered the sick man right down to the feet of Jesus. When I needed prayer, Howard did everything he could. He took away the tiles that hindered me from getting to Jesus. He was one of those friends that made sure I got to the feet of Jesus. In the last days I visited Howard many times. I made sure Howard got the to feet of Jesus, just like he did for me when I needed prayer. Howard Drewitz is one of a kind. I will miss him. I will see him again.
When I visited Howard many times in these past weeks I went there to pray for him. I had my own difficult life issues, but I didn’t want to be a burden to Howard. I was there to pray for Jesus to intercede and bring about a miraculous healing. Of course, Howard wanted to know what my problems were. I told him, “I came to pray for you Howard”. He said, “But you need prayer too. Praying for people gives me nourishment for my soul. It becomes like food for me.” So I shared. After we both prayed for each other he said praying for City Life church members filled his life. He felt nourished and fed by talking to people about their problems and then bombarding Heaven with requests. Others could have thought it a burden, not Howard. I thought God can’t take Howard he has too much to do. At City Life there must be hundreds of people impacted by Howard and Judy Drewitz. Howard was like our Elijah. Elijah was taken away and Elisha took up his mantle left behind. There may very well be several Elisha’s at City Life. Don’t just think how we lost Howard, our Elijah. Instead think how he multiplied himself into a caring church that will pick up his mantle and become an army of Elisha’s.
Jesus has called another Saint home and left the rest of us here with memories, but longing for that great reunion when we will join him and the others who have gone on before.
I so much would have liked to be with all “Little Howie’s” family and siblings during this time, but I am sure there is much laughter mixed with the tears as you all reminisce. I can imagine the chatter as you went through photos picking out just the right ones for the video! And as you are remembering Howie, I, too ,have been remembering the Thanksgivings when they came from Michigan to Uncle Wibbie’s and Auntie Donn’s farm,and the many times we visited them in Michigan. Then later when we spent time with Howie and Judy in Florida when we were traveling with our RV.
I am also grateful for the precious time that Howie spent with our family when Uncle Wibs went to Glory. Did you realize that Wibs’ Memorial was exactly 2 years to the day when Howie passed –probably about the same hour.
My prayer is for comfort all the family during this time–and the feeling of loss during the following days and months. I send my love to all. Auntie Donns
I am so sorry to read of this loss. I loved Mr. and Mrs. Drewitz so much, and know that they must have been right there to welcome their dear son through those golden gates. You will each be in my prayers. May the comfort that only our Heavenly Father can give, bring peace to your hearts.
Pastor Howard oversaw the new members classes, and the Cares ministry, and I nicknamed him “Dapper Dan” because he dressed so well, every Sunday, I could count on a solid hug from him this man of God, who would always make me grand-daughters giggle. So many things he’s reinforced in my in the Kingdom that will forever keep me Mission focused. He will be the most well dressed spirit in Heaven that’s for sure, and one of the kindest. He knew our mission was the Great Commission; see you later, my friend. Bob & Neicey
Thankful for the 27 years I had the privilege to be Howie’s sister-in-law. On September 22nd, Howie called me on my cell phone. It was 3 days before his homecoming. He said he could still pray for others and asked if he could pray for me. Howie made his life count for God’s Glory! A thankful heart!!
Will continue to pray for the Lord to comfort Judy and Preston & Lesley & Gwennie and his siblings, Duane, Rick, Darlene, and Debbie and extended Family and Friends in the days ahead.
Psalm 34:18 “The Lord is near to those who have a broken heart. And He saves those who are broken in spirit.”
Love,
Linda
(Proverbs 3:5-6)
“Little Howie” as we used to call him was always a special man. I remember him as always being so soft spoken and kind. Terri made comment about him after my father’s memorial (which Howie attended) and expressed the same sort of feeling – that Howie was such a gentle loving soul. We will miss him, of course, but know that we will seem him again in our heavenly home. Our prayers are with you; we pray for peace in this time of grief.
Cousin Ron and Terri
My condolence to Howard’s family from a old family friend that my family new before I was born and from the original Brightmoor Tabernacle.
Joe Butera