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Dallas Howell Obituary
Dallas Michael Howell Sr, a proud veteran of the United States Marine Corps, passed away quietly in his sleep on May 26, 2024.
Dallas, the son of MayBelle and Alfred Howell, was born March 15, 1948, in Spokane, Washington. He grew up in Rathdrum, Idaho, lived there, and attended school there until 1965. Later, after his military service, he earned an associate's degree from Spokane Community College in 1981.
At the age of 17, Dallas enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. He valued this service highly, receiving several medals and attained the rank of Corporal. As part of his service, Dallas served in the Marines from March 1965 to March 1969, with two additional years in the Reserves. He was stationed in Chu Lai, Vietnam, from March 1966 to March 1967. He served with the 1st Shore Party Battalion, 1st Marine Division.
In late 1965, he married Gloria Riffle before he shipped off to Vietnam. They were married for 58 1/2 years. Together, they raised 3 children. They have made their home outside Spirit Lake, Idaho, for the past 31 years.
He was an avid hunter and fisherman. His happy place was taking his boat out and fishing all day with his buddy Gale Smith. If that's all he could do all day, that would be his life's dream. He started teaching his grandchildren to fish as early as possible. It was a yearly event to take them camping and fishing at Roosevelt Lake and Lake Pend Oreille.
One of his favorite places to visit was Scotland. He and his wife made 3 trips and stayed with some wonderful people who showed them the sights and countryside. He had just completed the number one thing on his bucket list, to visit his Uncle's grave in Nettuno, Italy. His Uncle was killed during WWII while fighting the Germans.
He is survived by his wife, Gloria, at the family home, son Dallas Howell Jr, of Montana, daughter Deanna Perkins of Point Roberts, Washington, and son Eric and Shanna Howell of Spirit Lake, Idaho. A sister, Vivian and Mark Smith of Post Falls, Idaho. Grandchildren: Brien, Tory, Mayghen, Lillie, Autumn and Cam, Sierra, Samantha and Colter, Evan, Jacob, and EmmaLee. Grandchildren: Lynndsie, Daniel, Ashlin, Serenity, Ayden, and Elias. Multiple nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, three brothers, a sister, and his grandson, Tyler Nicholas Howell.
He will be so missed by his family and friends. He was the center of our family.
A celebration of his life will be held at the family home on July 27, 2024.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Dallas Howell
Vivian Smith
March 13, 2025
Wish I could bring you a Banana Cream pie again.
Gloria
June 9, 2024
Gloria
June 9, 2024
What do you say about a man whom you've loved for 60 years. I miss him, yes, so much. Time will pass, but my heart will never forget the memories we've shared. Today I don't think I'll get over this enormous loss.
We were so young when we married and we tackled some very tough issues in our married life, but we never gave up.
Recently I had a friend that said it's so heartwarming that you still hold hands. I miss those hands.
If you knew us, you know we bickered a lot. That was our way of communicating. We always kissed each other good night and never missed that nightly hug.
I hope we left an impression on our grandchildren to fight for what's good and work on the bad. It'll always serve you right.
Dallas I'll always love you, I'll never forget you, you'll always be part of me.
Joel and Lee
June 7, 2024
We met Dallas when Eric and Shanna got married. Although we didn´t spend a lot of time with him we did go to many celebrations that our children and grandchildren had. Every-time we were together he treated us with a hug and sometimes we would sit and visit with a cold beer. I know Dallas was very proud of his family and his military service. You will be missed...fly high my friend.
Joel & Lee
Roper Davis
June 7, 2024
I only met Dallas Howell once, and I can say whole heartedly he inspired me to want to join the service. He we'll be missed by myself very much.
Samantha
June 7, 2024
Samantha
June 7, 2024
Samantha
June 7, 2024
Papa was one of my biggest supporters when it came to the military. I know he was proud of me for it. I know he wishes he could be here to watch my little brother kick but in it too. He was so excited when he found out I was gonna be a mom when I told him he started to cry I don't think I have ever mad him cry, he may never get to meet my little girl but he passed away knowing her name and I got papa approval so I know I picked a good one. I love you papa it's definitely not gonna be the same without you. I love you always and forever.
Jimmy Stevens
June 7, 2024
I´m a cousin of Dallas, Jimmy stevens I have so many fond memories growing up with and around Dallas and all the cousins. He will be greatly missed he was and is a treasure. Jimmy
Crystal
June 7, 2024
I have one more angel to look out for me and my family. Uncle Dallas you were an amazing uncle ! My uncle dad forever and ever . RIP
Katie Goforth
June 6, 2024
Our visit last Thanksgiving, he gave me one of his jackets before we headed to his special place, the shop.
The wood stove was going, M.A.S.H. was on the TV and he mentioned he vacuumed my chair before we arrived. We sat there quietly, laughing at the show. Cat made her presence known and he told me so many cute stories about her in the shop. He was feeding her treats and looking at her proudly. She threw up at one point and he swiftly cleaned it up with no mind at all, petting her afterwards.
His huge heart was just beautiful. I'm going to miss sitting beside him listening and just sitting there in silence feeling at peace.
Eric
June 6, 2024
My dad. What can i say. He was a big part of why I'm the man I am today. He has taught me so much over the years. We went on adventures together just him and I. Went to Alaska for 3 months. Lived on a island in a camper. Explored the whole island. Fished almost every day. Sorry about the Grammer not my strong suit. Pretty sure I got that from him too. He showed me how to build....he was not perfect. But did his best. This guy taught me you make do with what you have and make it work. I'm at a loss of what to say. I don't think k he realized what a impact he was on my life. His family and all the friends he had.
This is the kind of man he was. It's a private story only a few know. Our son Tyler passed away at 5 days old. Dad went to sacred heart and carried him to post falls to English funeral home. He wanted to make sure he got there safe and was protected by a Marine.
I'm sure I'll keep adding to this. As I have many story and memories of him. He is and was my biggest hero. Love you always
Jeannie
June 6, 2024
Dallas I didn´t know you well but what time I spent around you was always well spent. You were always so kind and picked up a conversation as if we were always close. I will miss meeting you in CDA this year to pick up beets. Your legacy will live on through so many loved ones. We will all keep a close eye on the love of your life Gloria. Wish you could tell us how beautiful heaven really is. Love Cousin Jeannie
Esther Miller
June 5, 2024
My heart aches for his family on their loss of Dallas. They are in my thoughts and prayers. Esther Miller
Darwin epperson
June 5, 2024
I wish I could have been around to spend more time with Dallas, what I knew of him was a great man! Will be very missed.
Crystal
June 5, 2024
I have another angel watching over me . I will forever miss you uncle Dallas . RIP.
Vivian Smith
June 5, 2024
Vivian Smith ( Howell)
June 5, 2024
I will miss and love you forever big brother. I always looked up to you and I will continue to.
Victoryia Perkins
June 5, 2024
I love you Grandpa. I miss you every day.
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