Charles Norman Howell

Poland - Charles Norman Howell, 96, died Saturday afternoon, December 7, 2024, at The Inn at Poland Way.

Born on March 25, 1928, in Youngstown, Ohio, he was the son of Ray E. and Marion (Griffiths) Howell. Norm, as he was affectionately known, graduated from Poland Seminary High School in 1946. He furthered his education at Carnegie Tech, earning a Bachelor's Degree in Electrical Engineering.

Norm began his professional career at Duquesne Lighting in Pittsburgh before accepting a position with Ajax Magnethermic Corporation in Boardman, which later relocated to Warren. He worked as a chief engineer for the company until his retirement.

Norm married his childhood sweetheart, the former Melva Jeannine Weckbacher, on September 10, 1949. Their 64 years together were filled with love and devotion, during which they raised three children and welcomed seven grandsons as well as eleven great-grandchildren. Norm's commitment to his family was unwavering and he took immense pride in caring and providing for them, embodying the role of a devoted family man. Generous with his time and talents, Norm found joy and purpose in his retirement years by designing and constructing various home improvement projects for many of his family members.

In his leisure time, Norm enjoyed playing cards, especially bridge with several clubs including the Southside Duplicate Bridge Club and the Canfield Duplicate Bridge Club. He also enjoyed challenging himself with jigsaw puzzles and crossword puzzles. He was always a gentleman and was known for his kindness and his sense of humor.

Mr. Howell was a member of the Ohio Society of Professional Engineers and the Poland Kiwanis Club, where he served as a past treasurer. He also proudly served in the United States Army Reserves.

Norm leaves behind his companion, Margery Cooksey of Poland; his children, Connie (Ira) Hermann of Orange, CA, Jeffrey (Victoria) Howell of Garrettsville, OH, and Cheri (David) Shirey of Bluffton, SC; grandsons, Matt (Susan) Hermann of Orange, CA, Jarad (Mary Kate) Hermann of Fairview Park, OH, Nathan (Mary Jo) Hermann of La Habra, CA, Chris (Mandy) Miller of Cuyahoga Falls, OH, Trevor Shirey of Columbus, OH, Tyler Shirey of Denver, CO, and Jason Shirey of Denver, CO; eleven great-grandchildren, Mason, Kaden, Parker and Calli Hermann, Jack, Bridget, and Charles Hermann, Gavin and Ariana Hermann, Lily Miller, and Skylar Shirey; and sister-in-law, Nancy Howell of Easton, PA.

Norm was preceded in death by his wife, Jeannine, on September 18, 2013, and brothers, David Gary Howell and Ray R. Howell.

A funeral service will be held at 1 p.m. on Wednesday, December 11, 2024, in the chapel at Poland Riverside Cemetery, with Rev. Dr. Paul W. Anderson officiating.

Arrangements are being handled by the Cunningham-Becker Funeral Home in Poland. Please visit www.beckerobits.com to share memories and condolences with the family.