Howard Lee Crowell

– Howard Lee Crowell, 83, of Richmond, IN passed away Wednesday February 18, 2026, at Brickyard Healthcare.

Born August 5, 1942, in Richmond, IN to Kenneth and Mildred Brower Crowell, Howard grew up on Quaker Trace Road, West Alexandria in a house his father built. Later moving to a farm in New Paris, OH, he was a 1960 graduate of Jefferson Township High School. He was active in basketball and track, helping his team win the first Preble County Track Championship, placing first in high jump, low and high hurdles, and setting many records.

Howard joined the army in 1963, alongside his best friend, James Bradshaw under the Army's buddy program, completing basic training at Fort Knox. During his time in the service, Howard attended Airborne School at Ft. Benning and served in Korea as well as Vietnam with the 1st Air Cavalry Division. He earned an Expert Marksmanship Badge and was awarded the Overseas Service Ribbon, National Defense Service Medal and Vietnam Service Medal before being honorably discharged following his return from Vietnam in 1966. Howard returned to his hometown where he met and married the love of his life Joann Martin. After marrying on April 28, 1967 Howard and Joann built their dream home on Joann's family farm land on Inke Road where they raised their two children.

Howard spent his career in the automotive service industry, beginning at Mikesell's Ford, eventually advancing to Regional Manager at Kmart where the family lived for a short time in Canton, Michigan before returning back to Richmond where Howard worked for Amco Tool Company, gaining skills that allowed him to begin his own business repairing brake lathes.

When it came to motors, Howard bought the fastest, and then made it faster whether for land, water, or snow. This began at age 13 when his father brought home motorcycle parts in a bushel basket and Howard had it running in two weeks. He spent his free time on jet skis, water skis, speedboats, snowmobiles, dirt track racing, and motorcycles. He enjoyed many years at Dale Hollow Lake with his children, grandchildren, extended family, and many friends. He was co-owner of Silver Bell trailer park at Star Point Marina. Howard loved family time and heated games of Euchre and Pinochle.

He was an active member of the VFW as well as Harley Owners Group in Richmond. He combined these passions with frequent bike trips to the Vietnam Memorial in Washington, DC with his friends. He was a member of the Oak Park Church of God. He was a lifelong fan of the Indiana Hoosiers and Indianapolis Colts, but his greatest joy was supporting his children and grandchildren in their passions, starting with his son's BMX racing days, his daughter's nursing achievements, and his grandchildren's many athletic endeavors. Howard was the loudest in the stands.

Howard will be missed by his wife Joann of 58 years, two children Tracey (Chris) Dingwerth and Rodney Crowell, 6 Grandchildren Cassey (Brandon) Baker, Michael (Halei) Dingwerth, Caleb Davis, Corey (Ella) Dingwerth, Craig (Machayla) Dingwerth, and Layla Price, and 11 Great Grandchildren Karston, Macie, Owen, Gwendolyn, Graham, Declan, Wilder, Penelope, Nolan, Wiliam, and one due later this year, sisters Monita (Paul) Eversole, Karen (Chuck) Kirk, and Rhonda (John) Lee as well as many cousins, nieces, and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his parents Kenneth and Mildred Crowell, brother Larry (Susie) Crowell and brother-in-law Jim Clark.

Visitation for Howard Lee Crowell will be from 5-7 p.m. Monday, February 23, 2026, at Doan & Mills Funeral Home, 790 National Road West, Richmond. Funeral service will be held at 7 pm immediately following visitation with Pastor David Mullins. Burial with occur in a private ceremony on Tuesday at Earlham's Veteran's Field of Honor.

Memorial contributions may be made to the local VFW or Wounded Warriors.

Condolences may be sent to the family via the guest book at www.doanmillsfuneralhome.com.