Gerald Dean Howell

Gerald Dean Howell was born with a smile on his face, a kind attitude, and the middle son of Jesse Jr. and Geraldine Howell in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma on April 14, 1960. He grew up mostly in Pawnee, Oklahoma where he established a diversity of lasting friendships.

Dean spent his elementary school years at Concho Indian School in Concho, Oklahoma along with his four brothers. He attended Jarman Jr. High School in Midwest City, Oklahoma; and later spent his high school years at Pawnee High School where he graduated with the class of 1979. Dean often spoke of his glory days playing football for the Pawnee Black Bears where he played for Coach Ned Williams, whom he greatly admired.

After high school graduation, Dean enthusiastically signed up for the Navy and went through basic training at Naval Station Great Lakes in Illinois. After boot camp, Dean officially became a Sailor at his graduation and Pass-In-Review Ceremony, in which his mother was proudly in attendance. Dean was then sent to serve his country in the Persian Gulf on the USS LaSalle, also known as the “Great White Ghost of the Arabian Coast” due to its white paint.

Dean enjoyed visiting with friends, family, and acquaintances, engaging them in stories of his time spent on the football field, in the Persian Gulf, and his life in the Bay Area.

Dean’s family is what was most important to him, along with the simple life he chose to live in his hometown, Pawnee. He was deeply devoted to his brothers, Sonny, Esau, Mike, Baby Gene, and his sister, Laura Mae, of whom he leaves behind, as well as sister Ramona Battles from McAlester, Oklahoma.

Dean is also survived by nephews: Jesse Burton Howell; Paden and Paxton Moore; Zane and Hayden Howell; William Tyner; Jay Michael Johnson; Stephen BigGoose; Brandon Kanuho; and nieces: Keesa Rae Howell; Alyssa Jade Howell; Tommie Tyner; Paige Moore; and Randi Leigh LeClair-Fuller; including a host of cousins, grandchildren, and many ‘Indian’ brothers and nephews.

Dean was preceded in death by his parents, Jesse Jr. and Geraldine, his brother Robert Michael; sister Sandy Saulter; grandparents Jesse and Harriet Esau Howell; Andy Krow and May Pratt Smith; Howell Aunts and Uncles: Wadsworth (Bacon), Joseph Mark, Laura Wolfe, Mildred Johnson; Smith Aunts and Uncles: Bertha Harder, Marcella Lyons, Andy, Hiram, Robert, and Harry; and special friend Gayla Kauwe.

On October 20, 2025, Dean let his family know that Jesus’ arms were open and waiting to take him through the Gates of Heaven; final prayers and goodbyes were said by his family, then Dean’s smiling and kind spirit passed among the Stars as he journeyed on to his new home.