Michael Howell

Sergeant First Class Michael Wayne Howell reported for duty in the clouds at the age of 64 on April 17th, 2024. He was born in Winnsboro, LA on September 16, 1959, to Jim Howell and Mary Cupp Howell. Graveside services with military funeral honors will be held at 11:00 am on Monday April 22, 2024, at Chase Cemetery under the direction of Young's Community Memorial Funeral Home.
Everyone who knew my father knew he was a proud man though few knew how much he had to be proud of. It's my honor as his daughter to write this now and share some of that with the world through this opportunity.
Growing up, we knew what it was to be respectful. We knew it was important to say, "Yes ma'am" and "Yes, Sir" by example. We were taught that "if you are going to do something, you will do it right, not just 'good enough' because that reflects your character", by example. We learned what patriotism meant and how to respect the flag. We did not need to be in JROTC to know how to treat a flag. In many ways my upbringing was different. I remember watching baseball with him, during Cal Ripken, Jr.'s time with the Orioles. Watching my dad's reaction to this man's achievement, just for playing in a record-breaking streak of games, never missing a game for 13 years. My dad was not just proud of this man's dedication to a game. He made sure we understood that this was an example of dedication to not just the game, but a work ethic. For 2,131 games, Ripken made sure he was where he was supposed to be, when he was supposed to be there for his teammates. I learned to value other people's time, to always be on time, to do what I say I will do, to be silly sometimes, but also be serious, to live how you want others to see you, and to not just tell but show people I love them every time I see them, because it could be the last time you see them. Oh, and that the 80s had the best music. I was the only kid in my class that had the whole soundtrack to Top Gun memorized and had Aerosmith and U2 as their favorite bands growing up.
Having Michael as a father was not like the sitcoms, most people probably guessed that, but the more mature I have become, let's ignore the getting older part, the more I realized he raised us the way the military raised him.
On November 22, 1976, at the young age of 16, Michael left grade school to start his career. He completed boot camp and later received his general education diploma.
From the very start, Michael began receiving recognition from superiors. By 1980 he was already a sergeant and received his first Army Commendation Medal for distinguishing himself by meritorious achievement as an Observation Helicopter (OH-58) Repairman while assigned to Aviation Company, 5th Aviation Battalion (Provisional), 5th Infantry Division (Mechanized) in Fort Polk Louisiana from October 13, 1979, to November 3, 1979. During these trying and primitive field conditions, he was never less than outstanding and continuously reflected his "can do" attitude. He ensured that no time was wasted, and that the day was filled with meaningful learning activities. Throughout Operation Golden Warrior he maintained his aircraft in peak condition in addition to assisting his peers in maintenance efforts. Sergeant Howell's Outstanding achievement reflects most creditable upon himself, the command, and the United States Army. (Not my words, that's straight off the award. Can you tell? Fancy words for getting the job done right and giving 100% for the mission the whole time.) The award was given to him on February 22, 1980.
On May 9, 1989, Michael received his Aviation Logistics Diploma for the AH-1, also known as the Bell AH-1 Cobra Attack Helicopter (Huey Cobra or Snake) later used in the Gulf War. It was progressively replaced by the AH-64 Apache. The Apache was Dad's favorite helicopter. (btw, they used the wrong sound for the blades of the Apaches used in the movie Fire Birds. The sound is two blades, not the 4 blades the Apache had. Yep, that is trivia you know when your dad made sure you remembered, every time you watched the movie together. Dad is in that movie, too. His platoon is marching past in the distance when one of the cameras is pointed out of the hanger and you could not deny it on the big screen.)
Michael was most proud to be a part of "The Big Red One," for the majority of his time with the Army. After returning from a year spent in Germany, probably my mom's favorite year because they were able to visit France and Austria, he began his time at Fort Riley, Kansas. From October 1, 1985, through August 1, 1991, he was recognized for meritorious achievements while serving as Aeroscout Platoon Sergeant and company reenlistment NCO for Charlie Company, 1st Battalion, 1st Aviation Regiment. This certificate says he displayed a desire to excel, and his leadership skills were amply demonstrated during the reforging and national training center rotations as well as combat operations in Southwest Asia, aka Desert Storm. (I shorted the jargon from this certificate for ya.)
Above all the awards he has, there are at least 4 more, he was most proud of receiving the Bronze Star Medal. On June 4, 1991, he was awarded The Bronze Star Medal as Sergeant First Class Michael Wayne Howell from January 17, 1991, to February 28, 1991. His selfless actions were key to the flawless execution of the unit's mission, the liberation of Kuwait, and the ultimate defeat of the Iraqi Army. (More trivia - Even though the war 'officially' was declared over on February 28th, Dad would have told you it actually ended on February 27th - my mother's birthday. He would know, he was there :))
He was stubborn, that's for sure. "You might as well beat your head against a brick wall than argue with me," he liked to remind us. He loved his country, his sports cars, his football, and NASCAR races. But above all, he loved his family. He taught us a clear right from wrong, he taught us to work hard, and respect people. He taught me to think and not just follow. He taught me how to change a tire, check my oil, and how to drive. "A car is a bomb on wheels", and "you gotta watch out for what the other person might do!" He taught me to appreciate music and enjoy a good action movie. But most of all, he taught me how to show the people I care about that I love them, not just with words, but by taking care of things that need to be done. Hug those you love like you mean it, often. Always say, "I love you" when you can. You never know when you might not be able to, again.
Thank you for your service to our country, and thank you for all you taught me, Dad. I love you, forevey, for evey and evey.
Michael is preceded in death by his father, Jim Howell; mother, Mary Elle Cupp Howell; Grandfather Jim Wilburn Cupp; Grandmother, Effie Cupp; Daughter, Patricia Jo Howell, and sister, Lillie Ann Howell.
The surviving family left to remember him are his loving wife, Donna Leah Ezell Howell; daughter, Lillian Nicole Howell Pape; son, Charles Michael Howell; and his sister, Linda Kay Howell Walker. He has a host of extended family and friends, also.
Written by: Lillian Nicole Howell Pape