By Ryan Duey

Manhattan native Phil Howe, a prominent figure in banking, oil, and philanthropy, passed away at the age of 92.

Howe opened Kansas State Bank in 1969, he then navigated through various roles including president of Griffith Oil Company and founder of Master Medical Company and Baystone Financial Group.

However, it was his charitable contributions that defined his legacy. Together with his wife Margaret, he founded the Howe Family Foundation in 2013, contributing significantly to the Greater Manhattan Community Foundation both through donations and matching funds through Grow Green Match Day.

Howe was born in Manhattan in 1932, attending local schools and graduating from K-State in 1954. Howe served in the U.S. Army, returning to Manhattan after his time in the military. He was actively involved with the Manhattan Chamber of Commerce, and various roles at K-State, including the Dean’s Business Advisory Council. Howe’s impact also stretched to healthcare and education, notably contributing to the establishment of the K-State Center for the Advancement of Entrepreneurship.