Search by Name

Search by Name

FUNERAL HOME

Thomas Howell Obituary

Thomas Howell
April 24, 2021
Boise, Idaho - Thomas "Tom" Joseph Howell, 71, of Boise, ID, entered eternal life with his Savior on April 24, 2021. A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, May 1, 2021 at 11am at Legacy Life Church in Meridian, ID.
Tom was born on January 1, 1950, in Boise, ID to Virgil and Velma Howell. The family grew up in Meridian before moving to Page, AZ where his father worked on the Glen Canyon Dam. After moving to Sweet Home, OR, Tom graduated from Sweet Home High School, class of 1968. He was married to Deborah Gunderson on May 3, 1975 and they had two beautiful daughters together. Tom spent much of his youth in the company of family and friends while also learning to play the piano and sing. This cultivated his well-known and enduring love of music. He was part of several musical groups to include New Dimensions, Children of the Son, and Faithful Men. The last several years he was involved in local community theater productions alongside his daughter Lauren. He enjoyed the thrill of stage performance; his last and most proud role cast as Claude Frollo in the Hunchback of Notre Dame. Always an adventurous spirit, Tom worked a vast array of jobs throughout his life: Baker's Shoe Store, Youth/Music Pastor, Funeral Home Director, finally retiring as Ada County Deputy Coroner. Even then, he could not stay retired and was currently working as a Vice President of Finance/Controller for Episciences, Inc.
Family was everything to Tom, especially his grandsons. They were mentioned in nearly every conversation with friends and acquaintances, quickly followed by photo sharing. He was the first to arrive at any gathering and the last to depart. Saturdays were for yard sales, no matter what state he was in. Many of his trips to California to visit family always included a good early morning bargain hunt. He loved to travel, making several trips with close friends to Mexico, Cambodia, and Thailand.
Tom will always be remembered for his gregarious and outgoing ways. He could bring life to any party and become friends with anyone whom he crossed paths. His early departure from this earth leaves a huge void felt by so many. As he would often say to both the living and those that had passed, "It's not goodbye, it's see you later."
He is survived by his daughters Cindy (David) Casey of Boise, ID and Lauren (Kerry) Ball of Caldwell, ID. Two much-adored grand-children, Cohen and Silas Casey; three much-loved brothers William "Bill" (Sharon) of Boise, ID, Michael "Miche" (Sherry) Howell of Vacaville, CA; and Charles "Charlie" (Bonnie), of Spokane, WA. Tom will also be sorely missed by his many beloved nieces, nephews, and their extended families: Carol Ann (Niece) and Breck Dahlin, Brian (Nephew) Dahlin, Tristian (Nephew) Dahlin, Jason (Nephew) Dahlin and Mike, Brandon, Thomas Dahlin. Debbie (Niece) Howell. Carrie (Niece) and Fred Sisneros. Chris (Nephew) and April Howell, Aaron (Nephew) and Kortney, Branson, Reagan Howell; Matthew (Nephew) Howell; Kaitlin (Niece) and Matt, Lincoln Cooley. Randy (Nephew) and Mardianne, Reese, Mackayla, Parker Howell. Desiree (Niece) and Greg, Tiffany, Taylor Wessel. Krista (Niece), Alyssa (Niece) Howell. Heath (Nephew), Iris (Niece); Ginger (Niece), Lance, Colton and Dylan Lyons.
Tom was preceded in his passing by Richard "Dick" (Brother) Howell, Virgil (Father) Howell, Norma (Sister-in-law) Howell, Travis (Nephew) Johnson and Velma (Mother) Howell.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by & from Apr. 29 to May 1, 2021.

Memories and Condolences
for Thomas Howell

Sponsored by The Idaho Statesman.

Not sure what to say?





Krista Howell

April 23, 2025

Uncle Tom
I still think of you every day!!!
Now My Dad & You are together again! I Love You!!!
Love,
Krista Anne

Debbie Howell

May 2, 2021

Beautiful and kind I sat at my dad's grave site Richard dick" Howell and gave my blessings and prayers we will all be together again. Love Debbie Howell

Jeannie Williams

May 2, 2021

Tom always radiated pure joy! His love for his Lord, his family, his friends, and everyone with whom he came in contact, always felt embraced by Tom's genuine interest and love for all. I'm very thankful the Lord allowed, my husband and I, the joy and privilege to have served within Tom's music ministry, several years ago. Feels like yesterday as I relive the memory. And we'll all be in heaven someday, praising the Lord together in song!!

michael howell

May 1, 2021

tommy howell. what can i say? all of our cooking adventures when velma loaded charlie up and off to alices house. we had chairs around the counters and we would go to cookin whatever we were hungry for. velma would always come home to aromas of our cinamon, vanilla, and brown sugar tht were used in baking for the neighbor kids, the fesslers. my gosh tommy im settin here today heart broken just knowin that your really gone. maybe now tommy i'll have the birthday first. you tommy january 1st, 1950- me michey january 2nd, 1951. lauren, and cindy, we have a special place in our hearts for you, we love you bunches. tommy, tell virgil, and velma we'll be coming along soon. we loved you tommy, we miss you already. i was proud to be your brother. MICHEY

Arielle

April 30, 2021

Tom was such a genuine, kind soul who lit up the room as soon as he walked in. I always loved chatting with him- hearing his stories and trading keto recipes. My thoughts are with him and his family. He will be greatly missed.

Donna Arnold Pullin

April 30, 2021

To a wonderful neighbor and friend...I'll see you later!
Donna Arnold Pullin

Krista Howell

April 30, 2021

Krista Howell

April 30, 2021

Krista Howell

April 30, 2021

The Grief I’m feeling for My Uncle Tom
Is so hard, but our special memories help me cope.
I’m very happy I got to spend the time I did with you here in California and in Idaho!!
I will always remember your Kindness and Love have shown Me & Our family throughout the years!!!
Your laughter and smile comfort me♥
I Love You Uncle Tom!!!!

Love,
Krista Anne

Rick & Marcie Palmer

April 30, 2021

Abundant prayers for his family remembering a vibrant man who brought a loving smile of joy to every room he entered- You will be missed.

Frank Handy

April 30, 2021

Until we see you again my brother. Blessings. You will be missed.

Charles Kincheloe

April 29, 2021

I think I saw another star in heaven tonight, Tom you were one of the Good Guy’s.

Mark

April 29, 2021

Amazing giving heart. Always found the good in everyone and everything. We can rest assured he is in the presence of Jesus.

Cordella Anderson

April 29, 2021

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Kathy Fruitt

April 29, 2021

Such a loss for his family & friends. A person I so enjoyed talking with at our 50th class reunion & learning what a wonderful life he was living. My deepest condolences to his family, you have lost a very special person

Charlie Howell

April 29, 2021

SEE YOU SOON BROTHER! I LOVE AND MISS YOU!
Charlie

Jack E. Hankins

April 29, 2021

I never saw much of Tom after we graduated high school but I always enjoyed visiting with him at our class reunions and keeping updated on facebook. Here's his senior yearbook picture and one I took at our fifty year reunion. Tom was well liked and loved by his classmates. He will be missed.

Showing 1 - 17 of 17 results

Make a Donation
in Thomas Howell's name

Memorial Events
for Thomas Howell

May

1

Memorial service

11:00 a.m.

Legacy Life Church

Meridian, ID

Funeral services provided by:

Cloverdale Funeral Home Cemetery and Cremation - Gibson Chapel - Boise

1200 North Cloverdale Road, Boise, ID 83713

How to support Thomas's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Thomas Howell's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more

Sponsored