Boyd Howell

Boyd H. Howell, a devoted family man, dedicated veteran, and lifelong outdoorsman, passed away peacefully on October 23, 2025, surrounded by his loving family while under the care of Brio Hospice. His granddaughter Tresha, had moved-in 3 years prior to help out and was his main caretaker until the end. He was 91.

Boyd was born on May 8, 1934, in Goshen, Idaho, to Louis Preston Howell and Thelma Virginia Johnson Howell. He was the fourth of five children, and had two half-siblings from his father’s previous marriage. He lived in Basalt until the 5th grade. He then moved to Shelley into a home that his mom and his brothers worked in the potatoes to help pay for. He graduated from Shelley High School in 1952.

A proud veteran, Boyd answered the call to serve his country, entering the Army in August 1954. He served honorably and was discharged in August 1956, having earned a Medal of Good Conduct.

The year he returned home changed his life forever when he met Loretta Anne Gallup. He first helped her pick apples that summer, but their iconic love story began that fall during the spud harvest when Loretta, mistaking him for his brother Jerry, playfully threw a potato at him. From that moment on, they were inseparable, building a life founded on love and dedication.

He married Loretta in Shelley Idaho on September 6th 1957 and lived in various places in the Shelley area. They bought their first home in Basalt in 1963. He resided there until his death.

They had three wonderful children together. D’Lynn was their first son, born in 1958. Then came another son, Brett, born in 1960. Lastly, their daughter Lori was born in 1962.

Following his military service, Boyd worked as a ranch hand for Rusty Martin for a year before beginning a long and devoted career as a maintenance supervisor at French's, which was later acquired by Pillsbury. He worked diligently until his retirement in 1993. Boyd was a member of the LDS church.

Boyd’s true joy was found in the simple pleasures of life: horses, hunting, camping, riding four-wheelers, searching for desert treasures, and finding cool rocks. He was also well-known for tinkering in his shed, but above all, he cherished spending time with his family. As he often stated, his greatest accomplishment was his family.

He was a jokester and enjoyed playing tricks on people and giving them a hard time. He loved to laugh and had a laugh that was hard to forget. His favorite phrase was “damned if I do and damned if I don’t”.

Boyd was preceded in death by his parents, Louis and Thelma, and all of his siblings: Donna, Bob, Ted, Jerry, Afton, and Dean.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Loretta; his three children, D’Lynn Howell (Teresa) of Ammon, ID, Brett Howell (Brenda) of Rose, ID, and Lori Howell (David) of Blackfoot, ID. He also leaves behind his grandchildren, Kelby (Melissa), Tresha (Brady), Casey (Courtney), Travis (Ashley), Amanda (Shane), Jeremy (Jennifer), Rebecca (Devan), Shayne, Curtis, Brandi (Matt), Jessi, and Katherine, as well as 29 great-grandchildren, five great-great-grandchildren, and many loving nieces, nephews, and cousins.

The family will receive friends Sunday, November 2, 2025 from 12:00 till 2:00 p.m. at Nalder Funeral Home, 110 W Oak Street in Shelley. Military rites will be performed at 2:00 p.m.

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