Nicholas Howell

Nicholas H. (Thornton) Howell, 79, went peacefully to his heavenly home May 5 after a massive stroke. Born to parents Bernice (Millerke) Thornton and Gregory Thornton in Upper Darby, PA. His father died unexpectedly and the family moved to California. When Nick was 11, his mother married John Howell who adopted the three Thornton children.
Nick entered the U of CA-Berkley at 16, dropped out, and then enlisted in U.S. Air Force in 1951. As a new pilot, he was sent to Eielson AFB, AK. As a fighter pilot of the 720th, he flew F86s and trained with Capt. Lew Lynch an original Tuskegee airman. One of Nick's aborted training missions is reported in the book, Rescue! He coordinated Operation Babylift, a mass evacuation of orphans from Vietnam to the U.S. Col. Howell was assigned to the Pentagon and his final tour of duty was at Hickam AFB, HA.
Moving the family to Houston, he completed a MBA at U of H and was the Sales Adm. Mgr. for Riviana Foods.
Nick was an avid traveler, loved reading, bridge, theater, movies, and nature. Nick took up tennis and snow skiing at 57. His sense of humor, unpretentious nature, and optimistic and adventuresome spirit made life enjoyable. He never found a bakery that he didn't love or a cup of coffee that he didn't need.
He was a member of Chapelwood UMC and participated in student mentoring programs. He was a teacher's aide, student mentor, Child Advocate, and served as a Condemnation Commissioner.
Nick is survived by his wife, Charlotte Mangum Howell; his children: son, Eric (Vicki), Decatur, AL; daughter, Melinda Magyar (John), Brentwood, TN; son Barry Thornton, Nashville, TN; son, John, Franklin, TN; and daughter, AnneMarie Straub (Jack), beloved grandchildren, Jake and Claire Louise Straub, Fishers, IN; sister, Marcia Terry, Lompoc, CA; niece Debbie Karaman, her children, Hallah and Alex, Los Angeles, CA.; former spouse and mother of his children, Barbara Tiemann Howell, of Franklin, TN, and a number of cherished friends.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made to the Free Wheelchair Mission, PO Box 513538, Los Angeles, CA 90051-3538 (www.freewheelchairmission.org).
A celebration of life/memorial service and reception immediately following will be held Saturday, May 19, 2012, at 1 p.m. in the chapel at Chapelwood United Methodist Church, 11140 Greenbay, Houston 77024. Inurrment at Arlington National Cemetery, D.C.