Rusty Lee Howell

Rusty Lee Howell, 63, of Bangs, Texas passed away Monday, November 13, 2023. A Celebration of Life service will be held at the High Mesa Cowboy Church in Brownwood, Texas, Sunday, November 26, 2023 at 3:00 PM, with Todd King officiating.
Rusty was born June 20, 1960 in Oshkosh, Nebraska to Leroy and Barbara Howell. He attended school in Plains, Texas and graduated from Levelland High School as his family moved his senior year. He attended college at South Plains College in Levelland and enlisted in the United States Air Force where he spent 10 years serving his country in a rapid deployment unit that went all over the world. Rusty was awarded a Commendation Medal, AF Achievement Medal with two oak leaf clusters; AF outstanding unit award with one oak leaf cluster; AF Good conduct medal with two oak leaf clusters; Armed Forces expeditionary medal; AF overseas long tour ribbon small arms expert marksmanship ribbon and gained experience and memories that he treasured throughout his life. Rusty was responsible for installing secure communications in remote deployed locations to ensure air superiority within a hot zone. He was very patriotic and loved this country. Rusty went on to get a Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering from Wayland Baptist University. On November 5th, 1989, he received Jesus Christ as his personal Lord & Savior. He credits this as the best decision he ever made. Soon after, he was blessed with his wife Melanie whom he loved with all his heart for 32 years. Melanie is from Olympia, Washington where they spent 25 years of their marriage and raised their children before the Lord led him to move to Bangs, Texas. Rusty worked in software engineering and sales where he spent his days helping develop and improve medical software for companies such as Sprint, Nortel, Eschelon Telecommunications as well as Chiro Touch. Rusty loved spending time with people teaching them how to use the software and make their life a little easier. Rusty exhibited the love of Jesus in all his relationships and that in turn created bonds with everyone and brought a lot of love back into Rusty's life. Rusty worshiped and served the Lord in the High Mesa Cowboy Church of Brownwood and was a Chaplain to the community he lived in.
Rusty always woke up happy. He truly was an example of "The Lord is my strength and forever hope". His smile and laughter were contagious. He knew no stranger. He loved his Jesus, his wife and children. They were his life. Family was a priority. If you needed help, he was there. Rusty always said during difficult times, Trust God and enjoy the journey. He saw God's hand in everything. Rusty was quick to give grace. He believed in redemption. He spoke into everyone's lives and believed in divine intervention. He loved people just like God loved the church.
Those left behind to cherish Rusty's memory are his beloved wife, Melanie Howell of Bangs, Texas; 3 daughters, Katie Howell of Bangs, Stefanie Howell of Olympia, Washington, Natalie Radle and husband Matthew of Thrifty, Texas; 2 sons, Dustin Howell and wife Kelsi of Bangs, Branden Howell and wife Christian of Waco; sister, Terri Tidwell and husband, Lyndyl of Brownwood; brother, Robin Howell and wife, Brandy of Brownwood; 5 grandchildren, Isaiah, Jeremiah, Morgan, Laila and Brayden; and several nieces, nephews, cousins, church family and friends.
Rusty was preceded in death by his parents, Leroy & Barbara Howell.
Online condolences can be given to the family at www.heartlandfuneralhome.net