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David Howells Obituary
David was born in Hazleton and was raised in center city Allentown by his parents Howard and Caroline Howells. He graduated from Allentown High School and upon graduation he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps at age 17. While stationed in California he met his wife Sherri. They would have celebrated their 66th wedding anniversary in September. He was stationed overseas during the Korean War for 18 months. He was discharged as a Platoon Sergeant.
He received his BA Degree in Police Administration from Alvernia College. He is a graduate of the Federal Bureau of Investigation National Academy. He served 30 years with the City of Allentown Police Department retiring as Chief of Police. Chief Howells received every commendation and every citation that the police department awards including: Merit, Bravery, Heroism and Valor. In 1984 he received J. Edgar Hoover Award from the National Council of the Veterans of Foreign Wars as the Nation's Most Outstanding Police Officer.
After retiring from the police department he worked for Mack Truck as Director of Security. He would later work for the Office of Attorney General as Easter Zone Commander in the Bureau of Narcotics. He served 16 years as an Allentown City Council Person, 8 years as President.
Mr. Howells was extremely active in several Masonic Groups. He was a Past Master of both Jordan Martin Lodge No. 673 and Lehigh Valley Day Lodge. He was a 33rd Degree Mason and member of the Valley of Allentown.
Mr. Howells was active in veteran affairs as a member and Past Commandant of the Marine Corps League.
He coached boys and girls in baseball, basketball, football and softball at Mountainville Memorial for over 30 years. Mr. Howells was a member of Trinity Memorial Lutheran Church, Allentown.
David is survived by his wife Sherrill G. (Harland) Howells, daughter Sandi Malay wife of Michael of Brooksville FL; Son: David Jr. husband of Terri Allentown; daughter Suzanne Raftery of Allentown; 8 grandchildren and 16 great grandchildren, brother: Howard H. Howells, of Harrodsburg, KY; and 3 nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by daughter Sherrill Bushner.
Services: There will be a visitation from 4-6 pm Tuesday at Scottish Rite Cathedral, 1533 Hamilton St., Allentown with a Masonic Service at 6, followed by a memorial service. Arrangements by Stephens Funeral Home, Inc. www.stephensfuneral.com.
Contributions: Masonic Temple Foundation of Allentown, 1524 W. Linden St., Allentown 18102-4285 or Keystone Wounded Warriors Foundation, 16 E. Noble Ave., Shoemakersville 19555.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for David Howells
Sponsored by Stephens Funeral Home, Inc. - Allentown.
Bro. Rich Deppen
October 2, 2021
Today I get my KYCH! Thanks for all the encouragement and support you gave me during my journey. I'll be thinking of you a lot today.
July 28, 2019
Dear Sherri and family, I was sorry to hear of Davey passing. He will be missed. My husband enjoyed kidding with him and so did I. God Bless you all in your time of sorrow. Judy
Diane Rabenold
July 25, 2019
My condolences to the family
July 24, 2019
We were saddened to hear of David's passing. He will be missed. Our most sincere condolences to the entire family. Please know that you remain in our thoughts and prayers.
God bless,
Marty and Laurie
July 24, 2019
Remembering your great love story today and always.
Kevin Wolbach
July 24, 2019
My deepest condolences to the Howells family. Growing up with David Jr I got to know David Sr well and always respected him for being a good father and hard working man of the community.
Allentown Citiizen
July 24, 2019
Thank you Chief Howells for your service to the Allentown community. You were one of a kind. Condolences to the Howells family.
Tom & Sherry Elias & Entire Elias Family
July 23, 2019
Dave played an integral part in the day to day lives of many people. He gave his time unselfishly and the City of Allentown was a better place for it. God rest your soul sir, and I pray that God will provide your family with a sense of peace.
Nancy Yarrish
July 23, 2019
When the Rape Crisis Council in the Lehigh Valley was formed in 1973, David Howells invited me to give classes at the Allentown Police Academy. He treated the Council volunteers with respect and courtesy. He was kind and always greeted us with enthusiasm and encouragement. My sympathy to his family but know his was a life well lived and we are all a bit better to have known him.
Katrina Patterson, PTA
July 23, 2019
Dear Howell family,
I am so sorry for your loss. I had the privilege of working with David while he was at Westminster, and he was always a highlight in my day. He loved to show me his photos, tell stories, and dote on his family. Dave was easy to talk to and I knew I'd always get an honest answer with any life questions, receive great advice, and not go a day without a laugh. He was kind, funny, and always in good spirits. I will miss him greatly, but I hope he is now at peace. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Nancy Millard
July 23, 2019
Our sympathies to the Howells Family, we always felt it was an honor to be able to say we knew Dave Howells, as the very prominent citizen of Allentown that he is.. We fondly remember the Mountainville Memorial Days, you always had a kind word to say to us and our kids. Thank you for all you did for the city, your country and Mountainville Memorial. May your family enjoy all the good memories to sustain them. Rest in Peace, God Bless.
Stan and Nancy Millard
Steve Mould
July 23, 2019
I did not get to work for Chief Howell's but he was legendary before I was a cop and after. I first met him at Hess's and struck up a friendship. He was one that kept encouraging me to take the test. After I got hired he kept in touch ALL the time and provided guidance and counsel. He always di three things when he saw you..... a big generous handshake, asked how your kids were...often by name and always told you to be proud of what you were and protecting your town. He had eyes and ears everywhere and even as a retired citizen, later Councilmember would give you a boost up and a bit of the Dutch uncle when needed. Always though.ALWAYS.... the last words were encouragement and get back on the horse. Rest Easy Chief
John Quigley
July 23, 2019
To the Howells family - I am deeply saddened at the news of your father's passing. I went to school with Sandy and knew Sherri and David as well. Your father was the type of person who, both professionally and personally, we could benefit from in this time and age. He was logical, calm and strong. Your father sponsored me for the Masons and I got to know him better through my interaction with him in that organization. My thoughts are with you and with him.
Wayne & Shirley Bernecker
July 23, 2019
Sending our thoughts and prayers to the Howells family for loss of Dave Sr.
Charles Hetzer
July 23, 2019
Thoughts and prayers to Sherri, David, and the rest of the Howells family. God speed Big guy, you will be missed.
Debi Bowman
July 23, 2019
Dave, Suzanne and all the Howells family,
You are all in my thoughts and prayers at this time of great loss. I enjoyed my time working with him while on Council, he always brought a smile to me.
Debi Bowman
Mike Richardson
July 23, 2019
To the Howells family - we give our deepest condolences for Dave's passing. He was a fellow Allentown policeman, and close friend of my father, Tom Richardson, until my dad's sudden passing in 1962. He still remained a close friend of our family over the years. He will be missed greatly. RIP Dave!
Audrey Cashman
July 23, 2019
To Dave,Jr.,Suzanne, and the entire Howells family
My deepest and heartfelt sympathy to each of you. Dave lived his life fully and with exuberance. I always got a kick out of his booming hello when seeing him at City Hall.
May your loving memories help you through this difficult time.
You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Mark & Alicia Boyer
July 23, 2019
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Michael Crone
July 22, 2019
To Dave and family. Your father was a great man. He indeed did inspire me to become a police officer. I still remember those pep talks he would give when going through the academy. He would say in his boisterous voice "Be proud for you are about to become an Allentown Police Officer". He was an inspiration to all of us. My deepest condolences and sympathies. May Chief rest in peace.
Ron Neimeyer
July 22, 2019
Dave and I took the police test together back in 1958. He went on six months before I did. Always a good working cop, and we shared many cases together as Detectives. He was a great all-around leader, who was intelligent and well-liked. He will truly be missed.
Susan Gasper
July 22, 2019
I am so sorry for your loss. I only got to know David for the last few months while at Westminster. My therapy dog, Brandy, and I would visit, while he would share his pictures and stories with us. He was always welcoming, telling us to come in, come in and sit down. He always talked about his family and the Dobermans. It was a privilege to know him. He will be missed.
PAT YADUSH
July 22, 2019
HOWELLS' FAMILY, DVAE WAS A POSITIVE ROLE MODEL, AND WILL B MISSED.
J. T. ROTH
July 22, 2019
MR DAVID HOWELLS SR. WAS A WONDERFUL MAN AND FRIEND . HE HIRED ME ON THE POLICE FORCE IN 1984 WHICH GOT MY LIFE ON THE WRIGHT PATH . I WILL BE FOREVER GRATEFUL TO THIS GREAT AMERICAN AND HE WILL BE MISSED
CONDOLENCES TO THE ENTIRE FAMILY. GOD BLESS ALL
Liz Kromer
July 22, 2019
I was so sorry to hear of David's passing. My deepest sympathies to his entire family.
July 22, 2019
My condolences to the Howells' family. Your father was not only a great American but an equally kind and generous person. He leaves behind a tremendous legacy not only in the family he raised but for countless Allentown residents he helped for decades through his unselfish public service. He will be missed.
Rest in Peace my friend, your labor is complete.
FXD
Scott and Sandy Geiger
July 22, 2019
To the Howells family,
Our deepest sympathies at the passing of David Sr. He will long be remembered for his contributions to the city and its citizens.
Jerry Monahan
July 22, 2019
To Sherry, Dave Jr., Sandi, Suzanne and the entire Howells family,
I was saddened to hear of the passing of Dave. I know there are no words that can assuage your grief and loss but rest easy knowing that Dave is in a much better place watching proudly over his family. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
lamont cope
July 22, 2019
When I met David he told me to call him David not by his last name . He said his friends calls him David . He was going to get me in city council but our paths kept on passing each other . I will miss him very,very much . RIP David, we will see each other when its my time to come up there in heaven . You are an real true friend and an angel .
Roberta Daubenspeck
July 22, 2019
Heartfelt condolences to Sherri and the Howells family. Your loved one was a real people person - always ready to help. We at Trinity will miss him. God bless you all.
Don Trimmer
July 22, 2019
Chief Howells,, a mentor, a leader, and a friend. I will always be grateful for the personal and professional relationship between us. God bless you and your family. Rest In Peace big guy. Until we meet again some day.
Chief Howells with Lee Iacocca, 1985
Donna Fisher
July 21, 2019
Chief Howells was such an inspiring man, always with a friendly & positive spirit. Thank you sir.
Janelle Greer
July 21, 2019
So sorry to hear of Mr. Howell's passing. It was always a joy to see him at games at good ol' Mountainville and chat with him at the voting booth! You'll be in our prayers.
Janelle Brey Greer on behalf of the Brey family
Debe Brown
July 21, 2019
My thoughts and prayers to your family. Your dad was a great man. Many memories Debe Hollenbach Brown
andy wiesner
July 21, 2019
When I first came on the job in 1965 and a real rookie I was assigned to the relief officer of Car 9 the old Paddy wagon , when Dave's partner was off. He taught me a lot the first years we worked together and as I was elevated to Lt., worked just as well all those years... He will be greatly missed by his family and the many friends. We had a great meeting when I was back in Oct of last year going over all the cases we were both involved in. Prayers coming to the family in their time of need.
Roxanne & Tony DeMilio
July 21, 2019
To the Howells' Family,
Our deepest and most sincere condolences go out to all of you. Chief Howells was larger than life and with a kind heart. He will greatly be missed but his work and legacy will live on through all of you. God Bless.
Hector Ortiz
July 21, 2019
Dave,Suzanne and family,
Condolences on the passing of your father. May he rest in peace
Sharon kospiah
July 21, 2019
Sending thoughts and prayers to your family we will always remember all the good times we had at Mountainville Little League He was a great man God Bless Sharon Dean and Penny Moyer
Dennis Snyder
July 21, 2019
A good friend and wonderful person has passed on.....
A sad loss to all who called him friend.
I will miss the time we spent at Good Shepherd.
My God be with him and his family.
Dennis L. Snyder
Good Shepherd Public Safety
Jill Dickert
July 21, 2019
My sincere sympathy to the Howells family. Mr. Howells was one of our customers at the bank on S. 4th Street in Allentown. He always had a smile and a wise little remark when he visited. Such a great guy. One of my favorite customers.
Robert Ande
July 21, 2019
Thoughts and prayers to Chief Howells family and friends. He was truly an inspiration to me and many others not only as a police officer and chief but as a member of Mountainville Memorial.
Kathy Robinson
July 21, 2019
My thoughts and prayers all with all of you
Debe Brown
July 21, 2019
My thoughts and prayers to your family. Your dad was a great man. Many memories Debe Hollenbach Brown
Roberta Seidel Marks
July 21, 2019
My Deepest Condolences to the Howells, Malay and Rafferty families your all in my thoughts and prayers He was a big man among men and will be dearly missed love and blessingRoberta Seidel Marks
George Charles Jr
July 21, 2019
My sincere condolences to the Howells family. I'm sorry to see of Dave's passing. This must be a difficult time for you, as it is with any parent or sibling. Dave left behind many memories to all of us that we have to remember and be healed with. The last time that I saw Dave with Dave Jr was at Lowes in Whitehall buying a generator after Hurricane Sandy hit us. It was good to see them. I pray that good memories will get you through the loss that you face. God bless you all.
Sue Richardson Hecker
July 21, 2019
Prayers to the family. David was my fathers partner on the APD in 1962 as well as a good friend. Condolences from the family of Tommy Richardson.
Scott & Linda Mitchell
July 21, 2019
Chief Howells was an inspiration for many young officers throughout his career.
Our thoughts and prayers are with him and his family.
May he Rest In Peace.
timothy f driscoll
July 21, 2019
I first me Chief Howells while working at the police academy in Lehigh Parkway during my high school years. He was a no-nonsense leader with a heart of gold. Truly an iconic citizen of Allentown.
Tim F Driscoll
TFD Rentals, Allentown
July 21, 2019
Condolences to all who are missing Davey today. He was truly and Officer and a Gentleman.
I worked in downtown Allentown in my younger days and would always see him there. He used to come to Dominick's (One Hour Martinizing frequently) and he was always had a smile and a kind word.
Sue Roth
[email protected]
July 21, 2019
Sorry for youre loss,Davey was a great archer as well as policeman,hunted and shot with him...marty kilgore
Marie Toth
July 21, 2019
Howells family;
God has gained another angel to watch over family, friends and know this man has really done his share of serving his community and helping others. RIP and know you have been loved by many and will not be forgotten.,
Paul Williams
July 21, 2019
I was saddened by the news of Dave's passing. Dave used to visit my shop frequently and shoot the breeze. I considered Dave a good friend. I wish I could attend his service, so instead I will send his family my most sincere condolences. Thank's Dave for all you did for me. I'll never forget you. Mason brothers to the end, Paul Williams, former proprietor, Paul's Upholstery
July 21, 2019
A good man and a great Brother. Proud to have known him.
Brother Gary Herb
Rev.Everett/Erika Bickford
July 21, 2019
My Prayers and condolances are with all the Howells Ty Chief for launching me into public service here in the valley God speed from all The Bickfords Nver forget the Kodak moments
Gunny Svaby
July 21, 2019
A Marine & ALOT More! Semper Fi!
Brad Fulmer
July 21, 2019
My condolences to the Howells family. Chief was a great leader. He recruited me from a local department, after many attempts, and I am so glad I caved into him. He retired a few years after I started in Allentown but anytime I saw him afterwards he genuinely asked how I was doing and would ask if I was glad I came on board. I was and thanked him for his persistence.
July 20, 2019
Sending condolences on behalf of my Mother in law Marilyn,
to the Howells family. She was a former member of Trinity
Memorial.
With sincere sympathy,
Greg and Linda Vorhisi
July 20, 2019
God Bless Chief . Walt & Renee
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