Gary Brown Howell

Gary Brown Howell, 85, of Johnston City, went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Sunday, August 11, 2024, at Herrin Hospital.
Gary was born on February 8, 1939, in Greenview, Illinois to Henry "Hank" Howell and Marcella "Hope" (O'Brien) Dirks. He was united in marriage to Eugenia Marie Nance on August 30, 1959, at Greenview Christian Church. They shared 64 years of marriage together, before she preceded him in death on October 12, 2023.
Gary was a graduate of Greenview High School. Upon graduating, Gary served his country honorably in the United States Army. After being discharged, Gary worked at various retail stores and eventually opened his own retail store, "Britches" in Sterling, Illinois. Gary later went on to work for the Chicago and North Western Railroad, then Union Pacific, and eventually retired as a dispatcher in Omaha, Nebraska. Gary's work led him to live in various parts of Illinois, Michigan, Alabama, Texas, Ohio and Nebraska, but his favorite place he ever lived was in Aurora, Illinois, where he raised his family.
Gary enjoyed reading and telling stories. He also enjoyed listening to music and playing the saxophone when he was younger. Gary was knowledgeable and loved to talk about cars and trains. He took pride in his lawn and loved to be on his riding lawnmower. Gary loved his family, especially his wife, whom he is now reunited with in heaven in time for their anniversary.
Gary was of the Christian faith and had previously attended Grace Baptist Fellowship in Benton. He most recently attended First Christian Church in Herrin.
Gary is survived by his four children, Craig A. Howell of Aurora, IL, Hope E. (Mark) Onysio of Sussex, WI, Joshua J. (Kathy) Howell of Mulkeytown, IL, and Kristopher H. (Julie) Howell of Leavenworth, KS; six grandchildren, Jacob P. & Sarah E. Onysio, James R. & Isaiah K. Howell & Alexandrea M. & Elisabeth K. Howell; brothers, James (Ellie) Howell, Tom (Pam) Howell, Tim (Kim) Howell, and Bob (Barb) Howell; sisters, Barb (John) Veltri and Michelle Rauschenbach; special friend of the family, Jackie Stiles. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews.
He is preceded in death by his mother and stepfather, Hope and Loren Dirks; father and stepmother, Hank and Ruth Howell; wife, Eugenia Howell.
A celebration of life service will be held at 3:00 P.M., Saturday, September 7, 2024, at Grace Baptist Fellowship in Benton with Pastor Roger Teal officiating.
Visitation will be 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m., Saturday, September 7, 2024, at the church.
Memorial contributions may be made to Grace Baptist Fellowship for the Anthony and Emily Morris adoption fund. Envelopes will be available at the church the day of the service.
Pyle Funeral Home in Johnston City is entrusted with the arrangements.