Gavin Luke "Gav" Howell
Gavin Luke "Gav" Howell
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Gavin Howell Obituary
Gavin attended Kickapoo Highschool and became a Washbay worker at IWX Motor Freight shortly after. Gavin started at IWX August of 2020. A year later, 2021, he earned his spot as a diesel mechanic. IWX was bought out by another company summer of 2024; a few short months later, Gavin decided to start working for Legacy Inc. in September of 2024 and stayed there ever since.
During Gavin's time off he enjoyed fishing, hiking, spending time with his friends and family, and lastly, helping others.
Gavin's proceeded by Great Grandparents, Don and Angie Cook, Grand-dad, Mark Williamson, and Aunt, Lori Smith.
Gavin lives on by parents Garrett Howell and Cecilia Ortiz. Step-parents Jonathan Ortiz and Krystal Gonzales. Siblings Kierstin Thompson (Sister), Nathaniel Ortiz (Brother), Micah Howell (Brother), and Blake Williams (Brother in-law). Nephew Kaian L. Williams. Grandparents Kristie Willliamson (Gma), Terry Howell (Papa), Tracy Howell (Nana), Harold Thompson (Papa), and Joy Thompson (Lola). Aunts Sasha Sweatt and Caillieya Thompson. Uncles Harold Thompson, Bobby Reed, and Caillou Magee.
Personal Traits: Humorous, Empathetic, Strong Minded, Brave, Courageous, Loving, Kind, Respectful, and Loyal.
When we'd tell him we loved him is response was "I love me too." with the biggest smile on his face.
There will be a Celebration of Life at a later date.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
The McCurry´s
January 15, 2026
Emma Dickinson
January 15, 2026
Gavin was one of the most compassionate, selfless, and loving people I have ever met. He came into our lives when him and my brother were so young. He lived with us for a few years and that is a time I will never forget. During that time he truly became one of my younger brothers. I will always be thankful that such a good influence came into my brother´s life and my own. He taught us a lot about what it meant to be happy and fill each day with love. He truly shined like the rays of the sun. We miss and love you so dearly Gavin.
Spencer Patton
January 14, 2026
One of the kindest, funniest, and most caring person I´ve met. I´m glad to have had a friend like you and was able to call you my brother. Love and miss you Gav
Annabelle Calvanese
January 14, 2026
Gavin will forever be missed. He was a dear friend to me.
I met him when we were baby-faced teenagers. We bonded over a similar sense of humor. He was very funny and always so easy to talk to. As a girl, it could sometimes be difficult to have friends that are boys, especially in high school. Gavin was different. He treated me like I was one of the boys. He made me feel safe and included. That forever gave me a familial bond to him. I was so pleased to watch him grow into a hardworking and honest young man. Gavin was a man of faith, so it gives me peace to imagine him in a place filled with nothing but comfort and tranquility.
Gavin, I will always love you. I will always mourn you. "Southern Nights" by Glen Campbell will always be your song.
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Corey Breshears
January 14, 2026
There aren´t enough words that could accurately describe the strength and purity of Gavin´s character. He was kind, honest, and compassionate. Whether you were a stranger, or a loved one, Gavin would not hesitate to help in any way he could. He will be missed. I consider myself lucky for having the opportunity to call you not only my friend, but my brother. The time we spent together, the way you looked out for me, and the ways you helped me will never be forgotten. I love you my friend. Until we meet again.
Corey Breshears
January 14, 2026
Paige McCurry
January 13, 2026
Gavin was always more than a friend to us, he was family. He would go out of his way to do anything for anybody. He was such a light and he will be missed. I´m very blessed to have so many memories to cherish of him. I know the Lord has you now Gavin. We all love you so much
Natalie Meyer
January 8, 2026
this isn't easy for anyone. we love you gav. we will all remember you as the one who never failed to make even the grumpiest people smile. thank you for teaching us how to love and care for each other. your legacy is an inspiring one and i will carry you with me in every good thing i do from this day forward. you were my first love and one of my biggest inspirations. seeing the excitement on your face as we drove your f150 you worked so hard for home was something i'll forever cherish. i'll always remember the sense of accomplishment we both had when we got a place together after living in a house with my mom for quite some time. we did everything together back then. we went through a bunch of trial but ended up with so little error. with that being said, i am so glad you reached out a few weeks ago to reconnect after we'd both grown and im grateful for the brief time spent with you after that. i certainly didn't expect it to be the last.
rest easy gavin luke. you will never be forgotten. i love you big time. our memories sure are good ones that i will never let go of.
Carter Mckeel
January 7, 2026
James River 2021, one of my favorite days with Gavin. He sure loved nature but loved his friends and family even more.
Shania Lewis
January 6, 2026
This first photo you wanted me to take a picture of you like girls do for beer posters while we were floating. You always made every event fun. I hadn´t seen you in a few years but I´ll forever cherish the memories we had. From New Year´s Eve parties, to float trips, to Branson trips and just BBQs at the house.
Candis Hollier
January 6, 2026
You were more than just a coworker that mom and Bobby worked with, you were and always will be family. The memories we were able to make with you will stay with us forever, not only in our hearts, but also the house you helped build.
Love you most
Bob, Miche, Sienna and Candis.
Shania Lewis
January 6, 2026
Dana
January 6, 2026
You are missed, Gavin.
Jonah Wilson
January 6, 2026
Elizabeth Hood
January 6, 2026
Robert Cano
January 6, 2026
You will be missed Gavin
Caillieya Thompson
January 5, 2026
Zoey Tipton
January 5, 2026
My days were never fulfilled until me and Gav would hang out each day. He made my days so bright and there was never ever a dull moment with him. He constantly made me laugh. I knew we would be best of friends after he showed me what his favorite kind of music was. He´s one of a kind. I´m so so lucky to have known such a cool, down to earth person like Gav. Ill cherish every memory we have together. I´ll miss you so much Gavin.
Noel Adam
January 5, 2026
I miss hearing your annoyed "whaaaaat?"everytime we would call and annoy you, and I miss when you would say you were just going to the bathroom and then leave with no warning, but also I miss all the times you were there for us. When you changed my oil and it took us like 4 hours because everything kept going wrong you never got frustrated or annoyed, and you even bought oil for x2 the price after you spilled it all over the garage and had to pick up more from the only gas station left open. But you did it all with nothing but a good attitude, because you made a promise to a friend, and you didn´t break those.
Hannah Holcomb
January 5, 2026
Hannah Holcomb
January 5, 2026
Gavin,
You were the most funny, respectful, kind, loyal, and goofy person I knew. You didn´t take yourself too seriously and were always cracking jokes and one liners. We all miss you so much Gavin luke. You truly were always there for me, without question, doing things for me when you didn´t have to. You chose to. You were so giving and selfless and I really admired you for that. I´m so lucky to call you a friend. I miss your laugh and smile, I´ll never forget the sound of that. Rest easy Gavin. I love you so much.
Ezra Wilson
January 5, 2026
I love you Gavin, you were truly my best friend. I´ll forever cherish the memories I was blessed to share with you.
Shay Reid Foster
January 5, 2026
Carrie Farmer
January 5, 2026
Gavin was a good guy and he will be so missed. You all are in my thoughts
Kierstin Thompson
January 4, 2026
You were kind, genuine but at most, a wisecracker. I never knew someone could have that many smart remarks in their back pocket. You were always down for a good talk and time. I loved hearing about the great times you had and the love you had for your friends. Gosh you were something else for having your friends beg you to hang out while you were just laughing on mute. I already miss the humorous, heartfelt, and uncle related TikTok´s you sent. I never thought anyone could impact so many lives but of course, that´s just another great quality of yours. I will always admire you and the person you´ve were. I´ll tell Kai about how incredible his "Unc Gav" was and all the memories I have. You talked about all the fishing spots you wanted to take him, I´ll take him there. Everything you ever mentioned of showing and teaching him, he´ll know and learn; I know you´ll be there every step of the way. I saw something that said "And in the end, it´s not about the years in a life, it´s the life in the years," and that´s never been so true. I love you so so much.
Devin Marbut
January 3, 2026
I´ll forever miss you buddy, may you catch all em crappie and bass in heaven!
Sara
January 3, 2026
I love you Gavin, I´ll miss you buddy. The kids will miss you too.
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3506 North National, Springfield, MO 65803
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