Lowell Thomas Howell

   Lowell Thomas Howell, 88, of 36 White Oak Road, Eure, NC, died Tuesday, August 8, 2023 in his home where he was cared for by his family.

   Mr. Howell was born in the Roduco community of Gates County on August 5, 1935 and was one of three children born to the late John Robert and Helen Piland Howell. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Doris Umphlett; his brother, Robert Taylor Howell; and by his son, Marvin Kim Howell who passed away on January 27th of this year.

   After graduating high school, Mr. Howell joined the Army and was stationed in California. Missing the girl he had known and dated since she was 14 and he 15, he came home, got married, and took her back to California to continue his service. An Acting Sergeant and member of the Honor Guard, he was stationed with an Artillery Unit and guarded Castle Air Force Base, now known as Castle Air Museum. Returning home after the military, he and “Bon” settled in Chesapeake, where he worked in the dry cleaning business for 25 years and where they eventually owned and operated Howell’s Cleaners and Laundry in neighboring Portsmouth. In the mid-70’s he established Howell’s Home Improvements, specializing in the installation of vinyl siding, replacement windows and guttering.

   A faithful member of Eure Christian Church, he also enjoyed the membership and friendships formed through Ray’s Beach Fishing Club and the White Oak Hunt Club.

   Surviving is his wife of 67 and a half years, Yvonne Askew Howell; their children, Sharon Howell Silva and Glendon Howell, both of Chesapeake, VA; four granddaughters, Faith Howell (husband, Mark Kim), Jessica Silva, and Erica Silva Jenkins (husband, Justin), all of Chesapeake and Amanda Howell Fleenor (husband, Jimmy) of Gates; and five great-grandchildren, Zachary Silva, Kyle and Thomas Kim, and Lucy and Henry James Fleenor.

   Funeral services will be held Friday at 3:00 p.m. in Eure Christian Church and will be conducted by Pastor Wade Bennett. The burial will follow in the church cemetery. Friends may visit with the family in the fellowship hall immediately following the service, or all other times at the residence.

   In lieu of flowers, contributions in his memory may be made to Eure Christian Church, 872 NC Highway 137, Eure, NC 27935, or to the Gates County Rescue & EMS, 16 US Highway 158 East, Gatesville, NC 27938.

   Miller Funeral Home, 304 Main Street, Gatesville, is assisting with arrangements and online condolences may be made by visiting www.millerfhc.com.