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Eric Howell Obituary

HOWELL Eric Daniel Howell passed away suddenly on Tuesday, May 6, 2014 at the age of 52. He was a native of Metairie, LA. and a resident of Baton Rouge, LA., where he served as Scout Executive/CEO of the Boy Scouts of America. He was a Professional Boy Scout for over 30 years. Eric exemplified the life of a true Christian and model Scout. He was valedictorian of St. John Prep High School in New Orleans and earned the title of Eagle Scout during his high school years. He was a graduate of LSU in Baton Rouge, LA in Wildlife and Forestry Management. He had the innate ability to always make others happy and welcomed. His smile and love of life was infectious. He loved his God, his family, and friends, scouting, fishing at the camp, racquetball, traveling, and making others happy. He will be sadly missed by his wife of over 27 years, April Bush Howell; mother-in-law, Rayetta Bush; his furry friend, Wanda Noel; his siblings, Edwin Howell and wife Peggy, Dreaux Howell and wife Denise, Carolyn Howell Gaspard and husband Danny, Eilenn Howell Pfefferle and husband Billy, James Howell and Todd Breckman, Trent Howell, and Michael Jon Howell and wife Debra. He is also survived by in-laws, Becky Melancon, William Bush, Jr. and wife Brenda, Bonnie Bush Craft and husband Clifford, Michael Bush and wife Pam, Christopher Bush and wife Kelley; as well as a host of nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Calvin Moody Howell and Shirley Clements Howell; his brother, Calvin Gerard Howell; his father-in-law, William Bush, Sr., and his brother-in-law, George Melancon, Jr. Visiting at St. Thomas More Catholic Church, 11441 Goodwood Blvd., Baton Rouge 70815 on Friday, May 9, 2014 from 8:30 am until Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 am. Interment will be at St. Joseph Cemetery in Thibodeaux, LA. Donations may be made to Istrouma Area Council of Boy Scouts of America, 9644 Brookline Avenue, Baton Rouge, LA. 70809 or a charity of your choice. Family and friends may sign the online memorial, leave a personal note to the family, or order flowers at www.resthavenbatonrouge.com.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Times-Picayune from May 7 to May 9, 2014.

Memories and Condolences
for Eric Howell

Not sure what to say?





Sid Rossi

May 1, 2024

I think of my friend Eric often. What a wonderful friend and man.
I hope his family is well.

Randy Rockwell

July 7, 2014

April,

Mary and I were deeply saddened this weekend when we learned of Eric's untimely passing. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family. Eric had a positive effect on the lives of many young men, he will be missed.

Sunny (Sammy) Schlosser

May 21, 2014

Eric Howell was one of the BEST bosses I've ever worked with. I will remember all the great moments that we shared while working at CPD. His words of encouragement, hope and open communication made me proud to be on his team.
May God keep him safe in heaven, where we will meet again.
April, you and Eric are a big part of my life, and I thank you both for being there when friends were needed. May you find your own peace with his passing, and please know that Rick and I will be thinking and praying for you.
Much love, Sunny & Rick

Randy Andreasen

May 17, 2014

Saddened to learn of Eric's untimely passing. He was a good friend and mentor. His gentle manner, kindness, friendliness, and sense of humor will be missed.

Pam Bordelon

May 14, 2014

Just learned of Eric's passing last night. What a tragic loss for his family, Boy Scouts and Baton Rouge.

Nick Carter

May 12, 2014

April, we are SO sad to learn of Eric's passing. We think of you both fondly and were proud to know Eric. He made a big difference in this world!
Love, Nick, Jeanne, Elizabeth, and Nicholas Carter

David Jennings

May 12, 2014

Only heard recently of Eric's passing. I have many fond memories of Eric from our AGR days at LSU and our all to infrequent meetings since then.

As others have said, Eric could always bring a smile to my face and make me feel comfortable.

Perhaps my most vivid memory of Eric is when he and several others visited my family at the end of one Spring semester at LSU. My mother had some home canned concord grape juice she put out for breakfast and then apologized profusely because she thought it was "ruined". Eric took a big gulp and gladly exclaimed "It's ot ruined, tastes just fine to me." I'm still not sure my mother understood why we all laughed so hard.

Sid Rossi

May 12, 2014

I am very sad to learn of Eric's passing. I will always remember his friendship and gentle presence from our high school days. My prayers to his family.

David Breaux

May 12, 2014

The Istrouma Area Council Boy Scouts of America lost a great leader and a true friend.I had the great pleasure of working for Eric at the Council. He truly lived by the Scout oath and Scout Law every day of his life. We will continue to " GO Forward Eric in your memory "
Your Friend and fellow Scouter,
David Breaux

Nick , Joan And Gloria Manale ( Hocke)

May 10, 2014

To the family of Eric Howell:

I am sorry for your loss. I remembered Eric to be a gentle soul, and kind.

Dr. Roger C. Schustereit

May 10, 2014

April, May God offer you comfort at this time. Eric was a special person and friend. www,

Dr. Roger C. Schustereit

Ilsa Egan

May 9, 2014

April and Howell family,
Take comfort in knowing that now you have a special guardian angel watching over you. Keeping all of you in prayers

Debbie Deville-Roesch

May 9, 2014

I am so sorry for your loss. I met Eric at LSU also . He was such a Great Guy ! He will be missed by everyone who ever knew him.

Jim Wilson

May 9, 2014

I was saddened to hear that Eric had passed earlier this week. We worked together for many years in the New Orleans area and the memories will forever be cherished.

Jason Verret

May 9, 2014

Our thanks and many prayers to a great leader that lived a true life of service. May The Lord our God be with the Howell family and friends during this most difficult time. We are thankful for your life of sacrifice to your family and others. God bless.

Sterling Core

May 8, 2014

I just met Eric late last Sunday night while we disassembled the STM fair. We hit it off instantly and worked together much of the time. Totally shocked to read of his passing this morning. Would have liked to have learned more about him. We had some of the same interest and hobbies. I am so sad.

May 8, 2014

So sorry to hear the sad news. Praying for the family.
Lynn White
Monterey, LA

Steve Sicard

May 8, 2014

So sorry for your loss. He was a great leader. He will be missed!

Vivian and Ikenna Nwankpah

May 8, 2014

We met Eric during the spring of 2005 when we were fortunate enough to move across the street from the Howells. Eric and April were more than neighbors and friends, they were angels in disguise to my son (who was 13 at the time) and me. They personified a verse which is found in several places in the bible - 'love thy neighbor as thyself.' We were fortunate to be the beneficiary of their neighborly love.

My son, Ikenna, and I were very sad when they announced they were relocating to Louisiana a couple of years ago. I couldn't even express that sadness to them. The news of Eric's death is one of the saddest things I've ever experienced. However, we have over five years of wonderful memories of having been their neighbors...visits to each others homes, progressive Christmas parties with our other neighbors, sitting out in the Howell's front yard on Halloween and handing out candy to trick-or-treaters....so many wonderful memories of a wonderful man...a wonderful couple.

We love you Eric...we love you April....our heartfelt condolences to Eric's entire family.

May 8, 2014

Celebrating a life well-lived. Eric will be truly missed. May the love of family and friends comfort you in this most difficult time. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Connie Lazaro

Jay Renegar

May 8, 2014

I met Eric at LSU when he was in AGR with my brother. Outstanding quality individual and was happy when I saw he was moving back to La. The world has lost a great human and I know he will be missed by the thousands of lives he has touched. RIP old friend.

Paul Fontenot

May 8, 2014

Eric will be sorely missed by everyone that knew him. He was always ready with a smile and a word of encouragement.

Tom McDermott

May 8, 2014

Eric was a friend and fellow Scout Executive of mine. I know he had a positive impact on hundreds of young scouting professionals...who in turn impacted the lives of countless Scouts. May God watch over all of his family in their time of need.

Tony Enterante

May 8, 2014

Mrs. April,

We are speechless at the passing of a great man, better friend, and an amazing Scouter. You and your family are in our prayers. Eric truly personified what it means to be an Eagle Scout. Please let me know if you need anything.

Keith and Gwen Ashby

May 8, 2014

April, Eric was a great scouter and friend. What great memories we all have of him. We will never forget him. He will be missed by all. May The Lord bring you peace and comfort. Love, Keith and Gwen

May 8, 2014

Dear April,

Norm and I in state of disbelief over Eric's passing. Eric and you have been such wonderful attributes to both the Scouting and Baton Rouge communities. Eric was such a great leader, motivator and all around good guy. We are very honored and blessed to have gotten to know Eric and you and to call you our friends. Our loss is definitely a gain for the Scouters in heaven. Please give Wanda a hug from Norm and me. We will keep you in our prayers.

Karen and Norm Bacon

Kurt Oswald

May 8, 2014

Eric was the bright spot at PDL1 in Texas a few years ago, his smile and that Cajun voice was infectious. God's speed, the eagle has landed in heaven.

Kurt Oswald

May 8, 2014

Eric was one of the instructors at my PDL1 Class in Texas a few years ago, his voice, his Cajun dialect, personality and infectious smile was a bright spot every day. God's speed Scout. The Eagle has truly landed in heaven.

May 8, 2014

Thank you for sharing your life with us. Eric and April are two very special people. Love Chuck and Vickie.......

Lee Warren

May 7, 2014

April, it's been a long time since we're been in touch. I am so sorry that it's the loss of a lovely and genuine life that brings us together. Please accept my deepest sympathy in this time of sorrow. Eric will live on in the thoughts, laughter and love of those who had the good fortune to know him.

Chris & CJ

May 7, 2014

April, we were shocked and are truly heartbroken at the news of Eric's passing. We will really miss a wonderful neighbor. We are in Corpus Christi now but we will see you as soon as we get back to Baton Rouge. Is there anything we can do for you?

May 7, 2014

Dear April,
There are no words that will ease your pain, the feeling of emptiness, or the loneliness that will be your companion for a while. But I believe you will go forward as I have tried. I really liked Eric. I figure he's in heaven cracking jokes with Martin now. If at any time it would help you to talk, I am willing to listen [806-535-6066].
Love and "hang tough"
Nancy Boyd

Glenn Nunenmacher

May 7, 2014

To Michael John, Trent, and the entire Howell family,

On behalf of my family, we pray for all of God's graces to be upon Eric and all of you. We are truly sorry for your loss and you are in our prayers.

Glenn Nunenmacher and Family

Gary Mertz

May 7, 2014

I'm sorry for your loss. Eric was a great friend and will be missed. He always had something positive to say when I saw him.

Alex Tyms

May 7, 2014

I had the pleasure of teaching a course with Eric at Philmont in 2009. He helped make a positive impact on the Boy Scout professionals and he was a lot of fun to work with.

No words can adequately express the impact he had on his family, friends, Scouting leaders, and the youth of Scouting. The thoughts and prayers of the entire Scouting family are with your family during this time. The world is a better place by having had Eric in it.

--Alex Tyms
Scout Executive
Glacier's Edge Council
Madison, Wisconsin

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Memorial Events
for Eric Howell

May

9

Visitation

8:30 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.

St. Thomas More Catholic Church

11441 Goodwood Blvd., Baton Rouge, LA 70816

May

9

Mass of Christian Burial

11:00 a.m.

St. Thomas More Catholic Church

11441 Goodwood Blvd., Baton Rouge, LA 70816

Funeral services provided by:

Resthaven Gardens of Memory & Funeral Home - Baton Rouge

11817 Jefferson Highway, Baton Rouge, LA 70816

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