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John Howell Obituary
SPRINGFIELD - "Coach" John Luther Howell Sr., 75, departed this life on Saturday, February 13, 2010, at St. John's Hospital.
John was born August 25, 1934, in Brownsville, Tennessee, the son of John B. Howell and Ruby Cooper Howell. He was preceded in death by his parents, daughter Bobbie J. Howell, sister Betty J. Washington and brother Willie Lee Howell. John proudly served his country in the United States Air Force and received an Honorable Discharge on December 17, 1957. He retired from C.W.L.P. after sixteen years of faithful service. He also worked for Fiat Allis for thirty years, Juicy Rich and Pillsbury Mill.
John was known as a community activist. He served as precinct committeeman for Ward 82, a member of the Street Side Boosters, and an Honorary Black Panther. He is well known as the president and "Coach" of the Springfield Housing King Cobra Boxing Team for more than fifty years. He was a member of Grace United Methodist Church. He married Gertrude A. Summerville on December 21, 1974.
"Coach" leaves cherishing his legacy to his wife Gertrude A. Howell of Springfield; sons, John L. (Donna) Howell Jr., Craig Howell and James (Lola) Howell, all of Springfield; daughters Linda (Arthur A. III) Harman and Dora (Maurice) Johnson, both of Springfield; brothers Robert Lee Howell of Decatur, Arthur Dean (Sandra) Howell of Springfield and Charles Lee Howell of Decatur; sisters Louise (Jack) Legions, Dorothy (Monroe) Hicks and Judy White, all of Decatur; fifteen grandchildren, twenty-one great-grandchildren, and a host of other relatives and friends.
Visitation will commence at 10:00 a.m. followed by services at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, February 20, 2010, at Pleasant Grove Baptist Church, 908 S. Martin Luther King Jr. Dr., Springfield. Private burial will be held at Camp Butler National Cemetery on Monday, February 22, 2010, with military honors.
Please express your condolences to the family by visiting www.walkerfs.com. Professional services provided by Walker Funeral Service.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for John Howell
Brandon Howell
November 12, 2019
He was my great great uncle
Jo Ann Wilson
March 9, 2010
Dear Linda and Family - I am so sorry to hear of your loss. May you find comfort in your many memories of your father.
Donna (Ross) Taylor & Family
March 3, 2010
To the Howell Family,
We would like to express our condolences for your loss. Our prayers are with you now and always
March 2, 2010
Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his saints.
Psalm 116:15
Dear Howell Family,
Mr. Howell truly demonstrated the love of God, by the way he loved and mentored many, many, many, children in Springfield. We will keep you in our prayers.
The LORD bless thee, and keep: The LORD make his face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee: The LORD lift up his countenance upon thee, and give thee peace.
Numbers 6:24-26
Sincere Sympathy In Jesus' Love
Cecine(Dewith)and Charles E.Jones,Sr and Family
Nicole Copelin
March 1, 2010
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Cathy Ross-Baugh
February 23, 2010
Linda my prayers are with you. Your father touched so many. God Bless.
Anthony Davis
February 22, 2010
Aisha,I'm sorry about this sad time in your life right now and the rest of the Howell family.Aisha if you recive this message call me at 731-293-8067
February 22, 2010
To the Howell Family,
Our deepest sympathy to you and your family durning this difficult time.Mr. Howell will be missed by many. We will keep you in our prayers.
Thomas Family
Janet Walker Bradley
February 21, 2010
My heartfelt condolences to the Howell family. What a great man, father, and community mentor. Well done.
Sylphia Lindsay
February 21, 2010
To the Howell family,
I send my deepest sympathy. I have fond memories of the Howell family and we share lots of family stories. May God keep you and bless you through this difficult time. You all will be in my prayers.
Racina higgins & Family
February 21, 2010
james i'm so sorry for your lost, may god bless you in your time of need.
Rosalind (Shelton) Bond
February 20, 2010
My heartfelt condolences to the Howell. This was a great man and a positive influence to our children and community.
February 20, 2010
The eastside of Springfield just lost the an icon of Black community. May you rest in peace.
Jamie Fisher and Family
February 20, 2010
To The Howell Family,
Our deepest sympathy to you and your family during this difficult time.Your memories of your father and keeping God first will bring you comfort. Floyd and I will keep you in our prayers.
Floyd D. Howse, Jr and Ezella Barnes
Toni M. Jones
February 20, 2010
To Linda and Family,
Springfield has lost a great man, a hero to many. We will keep you and your family in our prayers
Rebecca Watson
February 20, 2010
I would like to thank "COACH" howell for all he contributed to the community over the years, he was a great man, an outstanding coach. Coach Howell taught my son for the past three years, and over twenty years ago he taught my brother. he will be deeply missed ,forever loved and forever mourned
LeRoy& Joyce Williams
February 20, 2010
To the Howell Family,Please accept our heartfelt sympathy. Luther was a kind hearted man and truly loved all his family, and friends. and we all loved him too.He will be missed by many.Hold on to God's unchanging hand. he will be with you in your time of sorrow.
joradn watson
February 20, 2010
there just somethings you just can't change john howell was my friend and was my coach. I love you coach and never forget you take
Ron Pettit
February 19, 2010
John and the howell family ,sorry for your loss. God bless you all.
February 19, 2010
So sorry for your families loss...
Herman Hitt
February 19, 2010
Please accept my deepest sympathy. Mr. Howell will be missed greatly by this community.
Barbara Standage/Bradford
February 19, 2010
To the family of Mr. Howell,
I am so sorry for the loss of your patriarc. Mr. Howell was a great positive influence for the youth of Springfield, including his children, the children in the neighborhood, and myself. He was always someone that I could look up to and say that he was a good man. My deepest sympathies/He will be missed greatly.
Mary Acres
February 19, 2010
The entire Acres family sends our sincere condolences to the Howell family. Springfield has lost a commemorating hero. The Eastside will stand proud in honoring Mr. Howell’s contributions to our community. He will be greatly missed.
Tanjila Readus
February 19, 2010
a "Blessed Spirit" will be missed..Amen
Jeral- Dean Hunter
February 19, 2010
R.I.P.
Chuck Hunter Sr.
February 19, 2010
To the Family of John Luther Howell.My deepest sympathy he was a great guy.
R.I.P.
February 19, 2010
May God Bless You And May your family be blessed.And My heart Goes out to all of you, Beverly Meek
Michelle Fleck
February 19, 2010
As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.
February 19, 2010
As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.
Dorothy Buckner-Ewing and Family
February 19, 2010
Mr. Howell was a ROCK. One of the GREATEST of all time. May God Bless you and keep you.
Millie and John Irwin
February 19, 2010
May your memories give you comfort. Your family is in our thoughts and prayers.
Marilyn Johnson
February 19, 2010
To the Howell Family,
My deepest sympathy goes out to everyone. God will see you through these trying times.
Randy Boschulte
February 19, 2010
My condolences to the Howel family. Springfield will miss Mr. Howell for his vigorous contributions to Eastside youths. He was one man who did so much for so many dispite the overwhelming odds. God bless him
:Lorean Wilson
February 19, 2010
Howell Family,
My deepest sympathy to
each and every one of
you. God will carry
you thru this time of
sorrow.
Lorean Wilson
Alice & Nikki Tyus-Winters
February 19, 2010
To the Howell family I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Spfld has loss a Icon and mentor for many. My prayers and thoughts go out to you.
Robert Hunter
February 18, 2010
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Priscilla(Cil) Gilchrese
February 18, 2010
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Barbara A. Watts
February 18, 2010
In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.
February 18, 2010
To the Howell Family;
God Bless, each and every one of you! I love you...wish I could be there with you. You have my deepest sympathy.
Gee, I love you! I will call soon...
Cookie
Cookie
February 18, 2010
To the Howell Family;
God Bless, each and every one of you! I love you...wish I could be there with you. You have my deepest sympathy.
Gee, I love you! I will call soon...
Cookie
February 18, 2010
God's comfort is sure and gentle,and meets our deepest needs. May God Bless your Family and hold you in his Loving Arms....Willie & Dottie Washington
Pat Cropp
February 18, 2010
To the John L. Howell Family:
We are so sorry to hear of the loss of your father/husband.
God bless you G and the rest of the family. He will take you through this.
Pat Cropp and Family
Sheri Fields
February 18, 2010
To the Howell Family;
You have my deepest Sympathy for your loss.
Deidra Dixon-Gachett
February 18, 2010
G,Johnny,Linda,craig,Dora,Love you guys! my prayers are with you...I have so many fond memories growing up with you. May God bless you and keep you in your time of sorrow.
LISA RUSH&FAMILY
February 18, 2010
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
jack p childress
February 18, 2010
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Lisa Ross
February 18, 2010
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Deidre "Dee" Jackson
February 18, 2010
I am standing by your side in my prayers. Your dad touched so many people's lives, and I know they were all enriched by it. God bless you all during this time.
Twyla Tyus-Taylor
February 17, 2010
Linda, Johnny,Dora and the rest of the Howell Family, I am sorry to hear of your loss. May the love and prayers of many comfort you during your time of need.
February 17, 2010
The Howell Family. I've had the honor of knowing your family and, of course, your dad, granddad, brother, uncle, and husband. Mr. Howell brought much love and friendship to so many individuals. Mr. Howell has his own charisma, and uneek character about himself. He will truly be missed and
remembered from us all. GOD BLESS YOU; THE HOWELL FAMILY. We, as your friends, are sending out our condolences to your all.
Be Blessed.
Ethel Shannon & Family
Chris Groth
February 17, 2010
May God bless you all. Luther has been a GREAT roll model and Coach. I'll miss him. Sorry for your lose. He was a GOOD MAN
Arthur Carey Sr
February 17, 2010
SO SO SORRY
February 17, 2010
James, Lola and your entire family- You have our deepest sympathy. Although Mr. Howell is in a better place, it doesn't lessen your pain right now. It will ease with time and you will soon cherish all of your "Happy" memories. We are praying for all of you.
Howard, Carly and Chloe'
Darlene Helms
February 17, 2010
The Howell Family:
May God comfort you all!
Ken & Kayla Allen
February 17, 2010
Howell Family
May Peace be on your minds in your hearts and strength fill your souls in your time of need.
February 17, 2010
To: "Luther's" Family. Words cannot touch the pain you feel at this time. May God grant you peace and strength.
Please know that our family is praying for you.
Sincerely
Clydia Cooper and the Gaston Family
Neci Faine
February 17, 2010
Dora and family,im so sorry to hear of your loss. My prayers are with you all.
Gail Evans-Wade
February 17, 2010
To the Entire Howell family,
I will keep your family in my prayer, may God Bless you during this time. Just know my Daddy (Eddie) was at the gates waiting on Luther and they are kicking it with the Lord. Love you all.
Pat (King) Tribbet
February 17, 2010
Howell Family -
My thoughts and prayers are with you.
barney rodawald
February 17, 2010
James and Family,
Please know you are all in our thoughts and prayers.
Barney, Teri, and Hannah
(Mr. Ro.)
February 17, 2010
A MAN amongst men!! I have known the Howell family for 40yrs and in my more mature years, come to appreciate the epitome of manhood that "was" and "is" John L. Howell. May we all emulate his spirit. At Your Service, (Your first neighbors)The Stowe Family -Lanny
February 17, 2010
To the Entire Howell Family,
We were truly sorry to hear of your loss.
We are praying that the Lord will comfort and keep you all at this time and the days to come.
Sincerely,
Rev&Mrs Gregory Stoner
Pam Bolden
February 17, 2010
My heart goes out to the entire Howell family, my you find peace in that his struggle is over. May God ease your pain Linda, Artie, Dora, and family.
In my prayers,
Clifton & L'Sonya Crawford-Jones
February 17, 2010
To the Howell Family;
Our thoughts & prayers are with you during your season of loss. May the peace of our Lord comfort & strengthen you today & always.
Jackie Richie
February 17, 2010
Linda and family,
Please accept my heartfelt sympathy for the loss of your Father. Mr. Howell was so dedicated and focused on family and providing a positive option for youth. He did not let anything or anyone stand in the way of his dedication to them. I can picture him now driving a van in heaven, still picking up kids and getting them to that great boxing ring in the sky! May you all find peace and comfort in the days and weeks ahead.
betty banks
February 17, 2010
I was so sorry to hear of your loss. The thoughts of many are with you at this time of sorrow.
Gia Kellus
February 17, 2010
I am so very sorry for your family's loss, my thoughts and prayers are with you all during this very sad time.
Bonita Jackson
February 17, 2010
Linda and family,
My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. May God Bless you and give you strength in the days to come.
February 17, 2010
To the entire Howell family,
You are all in my thoughts and prayers during this time. Luther and I worked together at CWLP. He a was a joy to be around, he ALWAYS had a smile on his face, and was always up for conversation. He loved to talk politics. He was a gentle soul put on this earth by OUR FATHER to touch so many lives, and I am grateful that I happened to be one of them.
With sincere condolences,
Marcia Knox Martinez
Cynthia (Hughes) Bowie
February 17, 2010
Dora,
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
jack spice
February 16, 2010
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Carolyn (Sue) Dickerson
February 16, 2010
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
February 16, 2010
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
cordale johnson
February 16, 2010
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
Pamela Cruz
February 16, 2010
The earth is the Lord's and everything in it, the world and all who live in it. PSALM 24. To all of the family may God continue to strengthen you daily. For your father is in heaven, and he accomplished GREAT DEEDS while he was with us all hear on earth.
To linda, my sister and best friend.
February 16, 2010
To The Howell Family
I am very sorry to hear of your loss. I have know Luther for many,msny years The Golden Gloves Boxing matches at the Armory Bldg in Spfld in the 50's is when I first met him.I have always known him to be a kind,and respectful gentleman. For those of you who didn't know,he could sing too!!!.
Whenever I saw him,I would call him "Nat King Howell" and he would just flash that big smile.May God bless,keep & comfort all of you during this difficult time. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him. Claudia "Schultz"Streeter
February 16, 2010
TO THE HOWELL FAMILY WITH SINCERE CONDOLENCES. CHUCKY AND IVY HUBBARD
helen merrifield
February 16, 2010
Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Michele (Henderson) Wilson & Family
February 16, 2010
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Brandy Bagwell
February 16, 2010
I'm very sorry to hear about your loss. He was a great man.
Nicki Renfro
February 16, 2010
Linda, Dora, John, and Craig. I think what all of springfield is trying to say at this time, is: Thank you for allowing your father to share his talent and be a father to those who had none. He has made a world of diffenrece in a man a young mans life. and you guys stay close, you need each other, and keep god in the ofrfront and let him ORDER YOUR STEPS!!!
Jackie Newman
February 16, 2010
Shoes that cannot be filled!! We are deeply saddened to hear about the death of Mr. Howell. The Springfield Housing Authority will be forever indebted to Mr. Howell for all he has given to the youth of public housing. Thanks Mr. Howell!! You are in our prayers Howell Family.
Jackie L. Newman
Jack, Barb, Mike, and Jade Hubbard
February 16, 2010
To the Howell family,
May God bless you and keep you during this time. You are in our prayers.
Vickie Austin/Lee
February 16, 2010
To the family of Mr. Howell my prayers and thoughts are with you in your time of sorrow
Myra Weir and Kristine Johnson
February 16, 2010
G, Linda, Dora and Craig we are sorry for your loss but (your husband and father) was such a great person to look up to and he was a blessing to many. Remember that many are praying for you and love all of you.
Chris Cullen
February 16, 2010
Linda & Family,
My thoughts and prayers are with you all. Know that you have many friends to help you through this difficult time
JEROME WILSON
February 16, 2010
COACH HOWELL MY COACH FOR MANY YEARS WILL ALWAYS MISS U COACH
CATHY GREEN
February 16, 2010
TO MRS.HOWELL AND FAMILY I SEND MY DEEPEST SYMPATHIES AND PRAYERS.AND MAY GOD BE WITH ALL OF YOU IN THIS TIME.SINCERLY CATHY GREEN AND FAMILY,
katie bryant
February 16, 2010
To the Entire Howell family, especially
"G",may God comfort you during this time of sorrow. All is well with Mr.
Howell, and he would want his family to stay close and Love one another.
God Bless each one of you. You are in
my prayers.
Katie Bryant
Springfield, Ill.
Linda Harris
February 16, 2010
So very sorry to hear of your loss. I have not lived in Springfield very long, but began hearing stories of 'Coach' very early. My prayers are with you.
Rev. Linda Harris
Leonard McWhorter
February 16, 2010
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Wanda Fly/Womack
February 16, 2010
My deepest sorrows goes out to the whole Howell family my prayers are with each and every one. Luther will be missed greatly, I am so glad to have known him like I did.
Bob Dunbar
February 16, 2010
coach Howell and I have been friends for over 30yrs and I always admired him for dedication to the young men in boxing.Any one who really knew coach Howell knows he was one of Springfields un sung heros. He was always there for his kids.Coach Howell will be in my prayers
February 16, 2010
To the Howell Family:
We are sorry to hear of your loss. May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Kerry & Chrissie Hunter
william whyte
February 16, 2010
To the Howell family please accecpt my deepest sympathies.
February 16, 2010
Luther was a friend of mine for many years. He did a lot of great work with the boxing team. He will be missed by all who knew him. May the angels walk with you today.
Bob Redpath
celinda hearn
February 16, 2010
My thoughts and prayer are with the howell family. Mr.Luther was a wonderful asset to this community. He was a wonderful man. He is not in pain anymore. He is in God's hands.
Jacquie Readus
February 16, 2010
So sorry to hear of Coach Howells passing. He will be truly missed by this community as a whole. God Bless.
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