Robert Bertis Howell

HOWELL, ROBERT BERTIS, 84, of Louisville, passed away while visiting his daughter in Oaklawn, IL, on the morning of December 16, 2012 after a brief illness.

He was retired from Robley Rex Veterans Administration Medical Center having worked as operations foreman in heating and air.

Bob was a veteran of World War II and the Korean conflict, having served in the Army and Navy Air Corps. He also had been a fireman for the Chicago Fire Department. He loved woodworking and was an awesome furniture maker. He loved nature and was described as a very giving man. He adored children, his and anyone else's that he saw and interacted with. His strength was his family and the apples of his eye were his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents and several brothers and sisters.

Left cherishing his memory is his beloved wife of 64 years, Joan R. Hasley Howell; children, William Howell, Randi Ficaro (Jerry), Paul (Pam) and Damon Howell; grandchildren; great-grandchildren; and brothers, Jerry and Tommy (Nancy) Howell.

A Memorial Life Celebration service will be held at a later date. Arch L. Heady at Resthaven has been entrusted with arrangements.