Howard Warren Bartholomew (Bart), 91, passed away peacefully on September 27, 2023, in his home in Lampeter, with his devoted wife and daughters by his side.

Born in Twin Oaks, Delaware County, he was the son of the late John C. and Elsa (Wenkel) Bartholomew. As a young boy, he enjoyed riding his pony Pal, hunting with his father, roller-skating with boyhood friends, and teasing his younger sister, Barbara. He graduated from Upper Chichester High School.

He was married to his wife, Barbara (Hennicke) Bartholomew, for 69 years. Bart and Babs made their first home in Bethel Township, Delaware County, where they raised their two daughters, Beth and Tracy, along with a menagerie of animals, and hosted many parties for family and friends. When he wasn't working, Bart could be found driving around in his pickup truck, listening to country music, and dropping in on friends and neighbors to lend a helping hand.

Following many years of annual vacations to Delmarva beaches, Bart built a vacation home in Chincoteague, VA, where he fished, ate oysters, entertained visitors, and met his close friend, Delmas, who could be counted on for fun times and memorable birthday cakes.

Howard retired from Sun Oil Company in 1989 after 38 years of service. He had a lifelong love of the outdoors, serving 36 years as a Deputy Game Protector with the Pennsylvania Game Commission. He was appointed as Deputy Wildlife Conservation Officer Retired in 1996. Howard taught hunter safety courses, was a great marksman, and spent many hours hunting, accompanied by his beagles Blue, Brownie, Jill, Katie, Maggie, and Molly. A high point for him was participating twice in the World Series Whitetail Trophy Hunt at Lake of the Ozarks.

Upon retirement, he and Babs moved to Lampeter, where they continued to make friends of all ages. Bart was a member of Lanco Beagle Club and Strasburg Sportsman's Association, where he introduced many children to the fish derby. In later years, he frequented George's Family Restaurant in Willow Street, where he always asked for extra condiments! Bart was a fixture in the neighborhood, sitting on his outside porch, rocking, smoking a cigarette, and sharing stories with neighbors and friends who stopped by frequently. In recent years, he loved visits from Sage, giving treats to Sammy, planting his garden, striking a bargain, reminding his daughters to keep gas in their cars and not speed, and watching the deer at Muddy Run with Babs by his side.

Howard was a member of Concord Lodge No. 625.

In addition to his wife Barbara (Babs), Howard is survived by their two daughters, Elizabeth J. Bartholomew of Washington, DC, and Tracy A. Bartholomew (Wes Henry) of Philadelphia; and his sister, Barbara Reed of Wilmington, DE.

Howard was preceded in death by his siblings, Jane Ricciuti, Robert "Bob" Bartholomew, and John "Jack" Bartholomew.

Private graveside services will take place in Edgewood Memorial Park, Glen Mills, PA.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution in Howard's memory to either Hospice & Community Care, P.O. Box 4125, Lancaster PA 17604-4125 Hospice & Community Care or Charlie's Crusaders Pet Rescue Charlie's Crusaders Pet Rescue