Robert W. Howell

Robert W. Howell

Funeral services for Robert W. Howell, age 89 of Winnfield, were held at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latterday Saints in Winnfield on Sunday, September 5, 2021 at 1:00 PM. Friends visited with the family on Saturday, September 4, 2021 from 5:00 PM until 7:00 PM at Southern Funeral Home in Winnfield.

Robert William Howell, a devoted, dedicated, and loving father, trusted friend, committed ministering servant, and a faithful and loyal husband, departed his earthly home in Winnfield, Winn Parish, Louisiana on August 30, 2021. He was born to the union of the late Ponce DeLeon Howell and Hazel Kennedy Howell on August 10, 1932 in Winnfield, Louisiana. His early years were spent on the family farm in Packton, Louisiana where lots of precious memories were made with his parents and eight sisters. He was the eldest of the family of nine children. Being the only boy, he was thoroughly spoiled by his sisters, although he wouldn’t ever admit it.

Brother Howell received his elementary and high school education at the Atlanta High School in Atlanta, Louisiana. He graduated in 1950. After graduating he enlisted in the United States Navy where as a Hospital Corpsman, he served his country for 4 years. The love for this great United States of America has only grown throughout his many years. The very day he returned home from the Navy his baby sister, LaRue was born. Not long after returning from the Navy, he married and moved to Ruston Louisiana so that he could further his education by attending Louisiana Polytechnic Institute (LA Tech). He graduated from Tech with a Bachelor of Arts in Education in 1958. Afterwards, he moved to Shreveport where he obtained his first teaching job at Oak Terrace Junior High School which lasted for five years. After being at Oak Terrace for 5 years he had the opportunity to move back to Winnfield and take a job teaching 5th grade at Eastside Elementary School which in fact he loved. Later he became Principal of the Atlanta High School in Atlanta, Louisiana. Robert loved Atlanta High School and was so proud of the faculty and students that he had the opportunity to work with everyday. Robert furthered his quest for knowledge by attending Brigham Young University in Utah and Northwestern State University in Natchitoches, La. He graduated from Northwestern State University with a Master’s Degree in Education in 1967. Later he received 30 hours above his Master’s of Education Degree. When he made the decision to move on from Atlanta High School he began working for the Louisiana State Department of Education as a Program Coordinator of Title I programs. Robert retired from Education with 45 years of service. His love of children and education was an extreme joy. He often said he learned more from the children he taught than they did from him. They all traveled the journey of learning together to reach higher heights.

For the past 26 years, Robert has been married to his soul mate Ethel C. Howell. Over these past 26 years they have grown so much spiritually and both have a spiritual commitment to Higher Callings. They are both members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Robert attributes his knowledge, faith, testimony and strong belief gained of the truthfulness of this gospel to Brother George Love because of the great example he set. Robert raised all of his children in this gospel and each have a strong testimony of its truthfulness. Brother Howell has served in many callings in his church. His most favorite ones were serving as Second Counselor in the Branch Presidency and the one he had at his transition, Elders Quorum President. He took pride and great honor in this calling. He set great examples for all of us to follow. His everlasting light will shine upon all with whom he has ever come in contact with.

Brother Howell was preceded in death by his loving parents, an infant brother, and two sons, Robert Brian Howell and Franklin DeLeon Howell, and one grandson. Beau Ryan Bates.

He leaves to cherish his memories his loving wife, Ethel C. Howell, two daughters, Jane Elizabeth Sanchez, Winnfield, La, Judy Ann Wagoner, Monroe, Louisiana, four sons, Patrick William Howell (Stacy), Winnfield, La., Sedric F. Evans (Heather) Winnfield, La., Adrian R. Evans (Holly) Monroe, La., and Thomas Dean Howell, (Mami) Misawa, Japan; numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren; eight sisters, Patsy Johns, Fannie Gates, Eudia Howell, Brenda Davis (John), Peggy Lony (Earl), Alma Runyon (Tom), Robbie Matthews, Hazel LaRue LaPrarie; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Brother Howell believed and demonstrated the belief that “when we are in the service of our fellow beings, we are only in the service our God”, keeping the commandments, to care for the widows the poor and needy, and to do all the he could to carry on his Father’s Business.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Robert’s honor to St. Jude or Shriners Hospital.

Friends may express messages of condolence to the family online by visiting southernfuneralhome.com.

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