Gary Howitt

     Pastor Gary Lewis Howitt went home to meet his Lord and Savior on Friday, February 6, 2026 with his family by his side. He was born on August 28, 1940, in Chappell, Nebraska, to Lewis and Freida Howitt.

     From his earliest years, Gary’s life was grounded in faith, family, and hard work—values that would guide him throughout his life and ministry.

     On April 10, 1960, Gary married the love of his life, Carolyn Sue Howitt, at First Baptist Church in McCook, Nebraska. Together they shared a devoted marriage marked by love, partnership, and a shared commitment to serving the Lord and their family.

     In his early years, Gary worked alongside his father and brother Danny in construction, and later held various jobs, including being known fondly as “the Pepsi man.” While he worked many occupations, his greatest passion and life’s calling was ministry. In 1970 he realized his need for a savior and gave his heart and life to Jesus by accepting him as his personal Lord and Savior. This decision forever changed the legacy of his family. He used his testimony and manner of life to point others to Christ. Gary served faithfully as a youth pastor for many years before surrendering to full time ministry in 1980 at First Baptist Church of Kimball. He went on to pastor Winona Baptist Church in Winona MN, Faith Bible Baptist of Greeley CO, Bible Baptist Church of Rangely CO and shepherded the people of McCook Baptist Church for over 20 years, where he touched countless lives through his preaching, leadership, and compassionate heart for people.

     Gary was preceded in death by his parents, Lewis and Freida Howitt and his brother, Danny Howitt.

     He is survived by his beloved wife, Carolyn “Sue” Howitt; his children, Lori Emerson (Jay), Tammy Mentzel (Randall), and Darrell Howitt (Amy); his sister, Cindy Cronk; his grandchildren: Matthew Allen, Robert Harms, Sarah Dennis, Julie Swanson, Jake Howitt, Tessa Howitt, Hannah Emerson, Nikki Orr, Josh Emerson, and Luke Howitt; 17 cherished great-grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews and friends.

     Gary will be remembered as a faithful servant of God, a loving husband, a devoted father and grandfather, and a man whose life reflected his deep faith and love for others. His legacy lives on through his family, his church, and the many lives he was honored to serve.

     His “Celebration of Life” will be held Thursday, February 12, 2026 at 1:00 p.m. at McCook Baptist Church, 329 N. Cherokee, McCook, Nebraska 69001.

     Memorials are suggested to the family of Gary Howitt for future designation. Online condolences may be left at herrmannfh.com. Arrangements have been entrusted to Herrmann-Jones Funeral Chapel of McCook.