Ray Howell, 68, of Paradise died of cancer February 2, 2010 at his home. He was under the care of Paradise Hospice.

He was born October 9, 1941 in Joplin, MO to Martin W. Howell and Mary D. Dodson Howell. At the age of two years the family moved to Paradise where Ray attended school graduating from PHS in 1959. Ray entered the US Air Force February 1961 serving in Korea, upon his discharge in February 1965 he returned to Paradise and with his brother Leonard worked for the Ambulance Service in Paradise before beginning his 37 year career with the Paradise Fire Dept. retiring in 2003. Up until his illness Ray worked for P.I.D. and as an assistant lake patrolman at Paradise Lake.

Ray married Gerri Brennan on June 12, 1994 in Paradise.

He is survived by his loving wife Gerri of Paradise; sons, Jamie of Magalia, Mark of Greenville; daughters, Brenda Howell of Paradise, Ronda Howell of Magalia; step-children, Keith Brennan of Chico, and Jody of Paradise; brother, Kenny (Sherry) Howell of Colorado; sisters, Lilly of Idaho, Doris of Nevada,; nephews, Roy (Louise) Kellogg of Paradise, Jonathan Howell of Oroville; grandchildren, Kassie, Donny, Nicki, Andrea, Katie, Ricki and Faith; God-daughters, Autumn and Maisie.

Ray was preceded in death by his parent's brother Leonard and seven other siblings. Ray had a deep love of family and friends. His wish was that they would have a good life and be happy. The family would like to express a very special "Thank You" to Joe Gozza for all he did for Ray and the family during this time.

Ray will be really missed by his family and friends and especially missed by his little girls Coco and Sassy.

A viewing will be held Friday, February 5, 2010 at Chapel of the Pines between 4:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. Memorial services will be held Friday, February 12, 2010 at Paradise Alliance Church at 11:00 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Ray's name to "Fill the Boot" or a favorite charity.

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

Published by Paradise Post from Feb. 3 to Mar. 5, 2010.

Memories and Condolences
for Martin Howell

15 Entries

Brenda Howell

March 2, 2010

Daddy,I am forever missing you.I want to Thank you all on behalf of the Howell family for your thoughts, prayers & condolensces.Most of all the love and support.He is very much alive in our hearts & souls.Thanks for loving him so!!

Ronda Howell

February 26, 2010

My Daddy was the greatest man alive I miss him so much!!When I was just a little girl my sister and I got to witness our hero in action while eating dinner one night he had a call of duty we got to go with him,we pulled up the house was fully in golfed in flames he didn't hesitate he rushed inside and came out with a little girl over one shoulder and a little dog under his other.I had never been so afraid in my life, from that day on I felt so proud & so safe knowing my daddy was here to protect us all.I can remember thinking what would I ever do without him......

February 23, 2010

TO Ray's Wife and Family

We were saddened to read of Ray's passing away...our sympathy and prayers
to his family...we remember Ray as a part of our Fire Department family..a gentleman.

Cort and Sharon Dolan
Roundup,Montana

Paradise Fire Department-1959-1991

James Howell

February 22, 2010

Dad, thank you for being there for us, I miss you so much,there are so many words, and not enough paper,so I love you and I will see you in the High Lakes......Your Son, James P Howell

Chris Hargis

February 9, 2010

I worked with Ray when he was with the ambulance service and would bring people to the hospital. He and his brother would always stop back and check on the patients they had to take to the hospital. One of the most loving and caring men in the community will be missed by one and all. He served his family and community with love and tenderness and genuine concern. Chris

Joy Geraty

February 5, 2010

Dear Howell Family,
I had the honor of working with Ray many years ago. Whata wonderful man! Ray lived across the street from my parents for many years, and showed my mother so much kindness when my step-father died. He truly was one of a kind.
Rest in peace, Ray.

Rick Crabtree

February 5, 2010

Ray was one of the best people I ever met. Always there with a smile and a helping hand, nothing seem to phase his positive attitude. I enjoyed the hours we spent together immensely, hanging out at the old ambulance shack. I miss him.

February 4, 2010

It is my deepest sympathy that I send to the Family of Ray. My name is Phillip Morris and a fellow graduate to Ray in 1959 At Paradise High School.
It saddens me a great deal to read about Rays passing and I know he'll be missed all that he came in contact with including my self.

Phil Morris

Wanda Perkins-German

February 4, 2010

I want to give my sincere condolences. I grew up in the Paradise Fire Dept. back when Ray was new their. I remember loving to go bug all the firemen at station and when I got older Ray and Mazrk lived above me and my husband off friendly way. He will be missed by all, everyone who knew him. God be with you all, Gerri, Brenda Ronda and Mark.
Wanda Perkins, Walton.

jody goodson howell

February 4, 2010

uncle Ray was A wonderful man and A good friend and father. not only was he my dad brother he was his best friend we are going to miss him deeply.

February 4, 2010

uncleray was a wonderful man and a father he love his family . not only was he my dad brother he was his best friend we are going to miss him deeply. l jodygoodson howell

Jami Howell

February 4, 2010

Gerri, Brenda, Ronda, Kenny and the ENTIRE Howell Family..... Our hearts are hurting but rejoice in the fact that we will see him again..... One of the most WONDERFUL men I have ever met.... I will truly miss you... Give Leonard a big hug for me... I love you...

Jonathan Howell

February 4, 2010

My uncle Ray was a wonderful man. He will be very missed. Give my dad a hug for me.. Love you...

Duke Klinesmith

February 4, 2010

Heartfelt Condolences;
So sorry Jonathan: I know you lost a special Uncle.

I am very sorry to hear of Ray's passing. I have known some of the Howell's for many years. Ray took up the helm and shored up the family when his brother Leonard passed years ago. They were both a credit to their community and enjoyed being involved and helping others. Family, friends and loved ones could alwayd depend on Ray and Leonard for support and understanding.

Where have all the GOOD MEN gone?

Sincerely,
Duke Klinesmith

rick murphy

February 4, 2010

gerri,an family. I am sorry I knew ray from the fire dept.I know he will be missed.he did have have a smile on his face.never had a a bad word to say.

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