We lost a very special man today, July 19, 2024, Roy “Butch” Howell, loving husband, father, stepfather, grandpa and great grandpa Moose. My Dad was an inspiration to most if not all the people he met. He faced many challenges throughout his life and overcame them all but this last one. We like to say he was better than a cat as he had so many lives. Unfortunately for us, this was a challenge that he couldn’t overcome.
I have watched my dad throughout the years. There are many faces of him. Loving father (I am definitely a daddy’s girl), proud father, caring and loving husband, amazing father-in-law, proud grandpa, friend to most everyone he met (my mom used to say we could go anywhere, and someone would know dad) and his favorite role, missionary. I have watched his faith grow with Jean after mom’s death. He loved the Lord fiercely and shared that faith with all that he could. He loved each and every one of his church families and his friends. He has shared his love of the Lord through local and foreign missions. He and Jean have opened their home to those in need, extending kindness & generosity. To say I am in awe of his generosity is an understatement.
The thing about dad is that even though he has always looked different, those who took the time to get to know him found joy just being around him. He was able to joke about his dystonia, overcome the challenges that it produced and provide inspiration for others with challenges. He was the very definition of “don’t judge a book by its cover”. In the time that he was looking for a job, it is amazing that he had the career he did as most people judged the “cover” at that time in history. He and my mom encouraged us to be the best we could be and were always at our sides at any event, be it a baseball game, ski tournament or band contest. They also wouldn’t let us quit anything!
I hate that he will no longer be here to hold my hand, hug me or let me provide Daddy Day Care when Jean goes out of town, but I know he will be seeing some very special people in heaven and will sit and have “one” glass of wine (white zinfandel) with them while joking around and watching over us.
He has said for the last 20 years that he has loved two great women. I have to agree with that. Mom and Jean couldn’t have been more different, but both have shared love and joy with him. Mom was his first and I know he thought he would be caring for her until the day he died. His second, his Queen, Jean who has grown in faith and love with him. He found joy, a second time, with Jean and had some amazing adventures, led by their faith. He was a boating enthusiast, a proud UT Volunteer fan, loved playing golf when he could, but he was most proud of the mission work that he and Jean did. After he could no longer travel out of the country for missions, he and Jean poured their heart and soul into sharing their love of Jesus here in New Port Richey by serving the homeless.
There is so much love & emotion in my heart that I really can’t express dad, thanks for being my champion, my hero and my all-around great daddy! I Love you More…..More than words will ever be able to express. We sure will miss you and that wonderful smile, but we will meet again in paradise.
He was preceded in death by his mother and father, Ethel and Roy Howell, stepfather, Bob McGill, Brother Doug Howell, first wife Emily Howell and son, Kendall Howell. He is survived by his loving wife, Jean Howell, his daughter Cindy Hogan and husband Bryan, daughter-in-law Winifred Howell. Grandchildren Molly Barnes and husband Ty, Rachel Fenner and husband Jesse. Stepchildren Alice Cummings and husband Keoki, Dan Russell and wife Robin. He was thrilled the past three years watching his family grow through his great grandchildren: Joe, Lucy, James and Luca.
In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Missions at Lakeview Church 475E. Lake Rd. N, Tarpon Springs, FL 34688.
Memorial services will be determined at a later date.
Troy Beets
July 23, 2024, 12:45 am
Good Man…
Pitt Tarrant
July 23, 2024, 2:44 am
I grew up in Oak Ridge and recall seeing Butch around town. One time, in the old shopping center, I saw him-my mother snatched at my arm and said “Don’t stair-that’s rude and inconsiderate!” Butch smiled and winked at me. As an adult and as a guard, I worked at K-25 and saw Butch on a daily basis. At least daily when my shift rotated to normal hours. He was always pleasant and I enjoyed talking with him as he passed through my portal. I’m convinced that in a small way those of us that had such small momentary encounters with Butch, were blessed. From that perspective, his family was overwhelmingly blessed. I’m so sorry for your loss. But know the plan our Heavenly Father – He has placed Butch in his rightful reward…and to believe…places you in his company once again – in His presence.
Steve Smith
July 23, 2024, 11:48 pm
Moose was a truly exceptional person who enriched the lives of everyone fortunate enough to know him. He was a beacon of inspiration and made a lasting impact on countless lives. Moose’s spirit will forever be a part of us.
Barry Vickers
July 24, 2024, 6:23 am
My sincere condolences to the family. I knew Butch as a co-worker in IT at Oak Ridge. He was a smart and good man, and a friend to so many.
Deana Simpson Watson
July 24, 2024, 7:08 pm
Cindy,
I am so sorry to hear about your dad. He was such a fine man, and I know you will cherish every memory you have, even through your sadness. I have wonderful memories of Kendall, your dad, and also band camp with you. I am praying for your family.
Alan Smith
July 26, 2024, 9:07 pm
Thinking about Butch brings me a smile every time. He shined bright for God, and I always enjoyed moments with him because Butch was an inspiration – he had an eternal perspective on life. He was the biggest UT fan – he had an orange room at his house and put an orange magnet T on his car during football season. Butch was an elder guide to me at Hope UMC during our years of Bible study – he was always there for me, and I loved him as an older brother. Butch made this world a better place – he was a good and faithful servant.