Howard Eugene Espenlaub

Howard Eugene Espenlaub, 80, departed this life for the next in the early morning of Sunday, Oct. 15, 2006, at St. Mary's Medical Center in Evansville, Ind.

A 1944 graduate of Bosse High School and Indiana University in 1949, Howard was a devout member of Christian Fellowship Church in Evansville where he did extensive volunteer work. He served in the U.S. Navy and was training to be a pilot at the conclusion of World War II. He owned and operated the Luggage Shop in Evansville, which he closed in conjunction with his retirement in 1989. He was also the president of the National Luggage Dealers Association.

Those that knew Howard can no doubt attest to his desire to live a life centered around his Christian values and beliefs. John 3:16 states: "For God so loved the world He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life."

Howard's family and friends are comforted knowing he did indeed believe, and thus while his time on earth has ended; his journey in Heaven has just begun.

He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Marilyn (Harper) Espenlaub; daughter and son-in-law, Linda and Robert Gaudin of Fort Worth, Texas; son and daughter-in-law, Mike and Cheryl Espenlaub of Atlanta, Ga.; and grandchildren, Tamara Gaudin, Bryan Gaudin and his wife, Jessica, Brett Gaudin, Brandon Gaudin, Laney Espenlaub and Jake Espenlaub.

Funeral services are planned for 11 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 17, 2006, at Browning Funeral Home, with Rev. Spencer Downs, officiating. Burial will be held in Alexander Memorial Park.

Friends may visit from 4 to 8 p.m. today and from 10 a.m. to service time Tuesday, Oct. 17, 2006, at Browning Funeral Home, 738 Diamond Ave., Evansville, IN 47711.

Memorial contributions may be made to Christian Fellowship Church, 4100 Millersburg Road, Evansville, IN 47725 or Evansville Rescue Mission, 300 SE Martin Luther King Blvd., Evansville, IN 47708.