Donald Sylvester Howell

Donald Sylvester Howell, age 76, was born on November 15, 1949, in Ottawa, Illinois, and passed away on December 1, 2025, in New Caney, Texas. He is preceded in death by his parents, George Leroy Howell and Amelia Augusta Case Howell; his brother, Richard Howell; and his sisters, Doris M. McCollum and Marietta Hansen.

Don was a proud veteran. He served in the United States Army from July 1968 to November 1970, dedicating eighteen months of that time to service in Vietnam. He later continued his commitment to his country by serving for many years in the Florida National Guard. Don worked in roofing manufacturing for 40 years. He was a hardworking man—loyal, determined, and always ready for a challenge. There was no job too difficult for him; defeat simply wasn’t an option. He loved people and never met a stranger. Don was always willing to lend a helping hand and had a gift for bringing laughter to any room. Known by many as the life of the party, his humor and infectious laugh will be deeply missed. A longtime NASCAR fan, Don attended many races over the years. In the mid-1980s, he became a certified diver and especially loved vacationing in the Florida Keys, where he enjoyed lobster season with family and friends. While he didn’t consider himself a hobbyist, he had a true passion for landscaping and gardening.

Don is survived by his loving wife of 55 years, Patricia Howell; his son, Donald Blaine Howell and wife Kimberly; his daughters, Kristina Ann Bégué and husband Keith, and Meagan Setzer and husband Jason; his sister, Margaret Wagner; his grandchildren—Chase, Nicholas, Collin, Chloe, Cade, and Brylee; and his great-grandchildren, Kylie and Wyatt.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Alzheimer’s Association.