Hal Durwood Howell

Hal Durwood Howell, born April 9, 1944, passed away peacefully in his home in Chelsea, Alabama on December 31, 2024. He was born in Covington County, Mississippi, and grew up in Mize, Mississippi. He retired from the Hattiesburg Public School System, spending most of his years as an elementary principal. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and most importantly, he was a devoted Christian. 

After retirement, he filled his hours with an abundance of hobbies. He was an active member of Homewood Baptist Church. To his grandchildren and the children of the community, he was known for his construction of a train he often drove offering rides. When the kids were all aboard, you could hear the train horn and laughter all around

Hal is survived by his two daughters Karen Howell Welch (Steve) and Sharon Kaye Robbins (Eric). Grandchildren Coty Asher Welch (Kaylee), Katherine Welch Pfeiffer (Conrad), and Matthew Thomas Robbins. Great-grandchildren Asher, Leo, Charles, and Anne. As well as numerous nieces and nephews. 

He was preceded in death by his loving wife of over sixty years, Karuth (Kaye) Moulder Howell, parents, Randall Clarence Howell and Ulma Gertrude Harvey, brother Donald Clark Howell, sister Ouida Sue White, and grandson Michael Eric Robbins.

Services will be held at graveside at Oak Grove Baptist Church in Mize, MS. Saturday, January 11,2025 at 11:00a.m. Pastor Doyle Boyles to officiate. Pall bearers will be Coty Welch, Matthew Robbins, Chase Munro, David Moulder, Jeff Moulder, and Conrad Pfeiffer.

Ott and Lee of Forest is honored to be entrusted with arrangements.