Mrs. Lucille Violet Howell

I thought I'd post this "in memoriam" of "Ham Radio operator" the late Rex Howell (and Lucille) here in Grand Junction, Colo. Amateur Radio Callsigns K0RX and W0RX (long re-issued). He was the founder of our first large TV / AM radio station here. He passed in 1978, but was a strong influence in my becoming a ham years ago, Unfortunately, I became stuck in the CB chaos for too many years prior to getting licensed in the late 1990's.

When I was 12 years old in 1973, I was up on the roof of our house overlooking the Grand Valley, busy installing my first Starduster CB antenna. When I just happened to look towards the local TV tower, I saw off to the side of it a "Monster" antenna! I said "Dad, take me over there to see that Antenna!" We went over there and I knocked on the door. Rex's wife answered, and said Rex had time to just give me a quick tour of his station. Of course it was all top of the line Collins gear, and the antenna was the Hy-Gain RP-100,(Rotating Pole) the biggest and only 100 ft tall model of the RP line. Only 2 others were made as RP-75, 75 foot tall models, One was owned by none other than Sen. Barry Goldwater, the other one I'm told was installed on top of the United Nations Building back east. (The story I was told said Rex told the engineer he wanted to have a bigger one than Barry Goldwater.)

Once becoming an Amateur (Ham) Operator in the late 90's I met all sorts of interesting people. Going to the Wyoming State Hamfest when I was living there, I met K0AS, Arne, and found out he was the lead engineer on the project at Hy-Gain for the RP series.

Sadly, no one relocated the antenna after Rex died, and I have a feeling his wife kept it for a memorial to Rex and wouldn't sell it. I was in the hospital last week and saw it from the tenth floor while I was in. It originally had a 40m 4 element full size array at the bottom, 20m 4 elements, 15 meters 4 elements and 10m at the top, 4 elements. Unfortunately Mother Nature hasn't been kind. The 40m array at the bottom is gone. The others are still there, surprisingly still straight, but the pole is completely and brightly rusted. So that antenna has been a part of my life from age 12 to age 61 so far. I just wanted this story in the archives somewhere, as it is a big part of Grand Junction Colorado History. 73.

Todd - KT0DD
Rep

Many thanks to my wonderful Aunt Janie and Uncle Newell for you kind care of Granny all these years and for the lovely memorial!

My condolences to the families for your loss. I grew up just down the street and friend with Tom. Mr. and Mrs. Howell were always very nice to me and very good neighbors.

Sincerely,

Kelly Mickelson

My condolences to both the Kendrick and Hoskin Families in your loss of Mrs. Howell. I remember many summer days taking swimming lessons in the pool with the "alligators". Enjoying her lovely patio and gardens that were cared for meticulously. Many magical and wonderous memories of visits into her cottage home that still resurface after more than a quarter of a century has lapsed. May Mrs. Howell lay in peace.

Samantha (Martin) Kelly