DARTMOUTH — HOWES, Davis Crowell, 89, of South Dartmouth, MA. April 5, 2011 at home. He is survived by his beloved wife of 60 years, Barbara "Polly" Benson Howes and their children: Alexander Howland Howes, of Kingston, MA, Betts Howes Murray and her husband Wisner, of Cohasset, MA, Timothy Crowell Howes and his wife Jane, of South Dartmouth, MA, and four grandchildren: Francis & Polly Murray, Davis & Alexandra Howes. Born January 27, 1922, in New Bedford, MA, Davis Howes was the only child of the late Helen Howland Davis and Paul Crowell Howes. He was a graduate of Friends Academy, Avon Old Farms School, Brown University (NROTC commissioned an ensign, Oct. 1943), and Boston University School of Law (1950).
Mr. Howes was a one of a kind, part of "the greatest generation". He was senior partner at Prescott, Bullard & McLeod, believed to be the 2nd oldest continuing law firm in the United States, and practiced law for 60 years. His secretary of 40 years, Nancy Wedge, said "I believe he was the last remaining attorney from the 'old school'. He loved the law, especially complicated legal issues. Many younger attorneys referred to him as the 'dean of real estate', helpful to them with complex titles. If they couldn't figure it out, they would say 'ask Davis'".
Judging from how much he enjoyed talking about those years, his service in the Navy was the most formative experience of his life. In WWII he spent approximately two years aboard the USS Baldwin DD624. In his first year of duty, the USS Baldwin operated in the European Theatre of the War, and after the surrender of Germany, was en route to take part in the invasion of Southern Japan when the War ended. His letters home formed the basis for his contributing chapter, DREAD OF THE UNKNOWN, in the book Assault on Normandy, published by Naval Institute Press in 1994. After law school he was recalled to active duty for one year during the Korean War, during which time he was assigned to Naval Intelligence School in Washington, D.C. He officially retired from the Naval Reserve in 1964 as a Lieutenant.
Believing in the obligation of community service, Mr. Howes was active in local organizations, serving as a President of the Old Dartmouth Historical Society, Dartmouth Town Meeting member, Director of St. Luke's Hospital & of Merchants Bank. He was a Golden Life member of the US Naval Institute (since 1943), New Bedford Yacht Club (its most senior member), Wamsutta Club, New Bedford Port Society, Low Tide Yacht Club. He served as a trustee of charitable organizations and as a chair of the most recent capital campaign of the Humane Society & Shelter South Coast. He was a lifelong sailor in just about anything that would float, including cruising and racing sailboats, twice navigating the Newport-Bermuda race, and for years sailing around Padanaram Harbor with his wife in his maternal grandfather's 12' spritsail rig sailboat. He was devoted to his wife Polly and she to him.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, April 16 at 11:00 at the Congregational Church of South Dartmouth. In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully suggests donations to the Humane Society and Shelter, 31 Ventura Drive, Dartmouth, MA 02747. Arrangements by Wilson Chapel, New Bedford.