Keith Holeman Howell's Obituary
Decatur-Keith Holman Howell, 92, of Decatur, passed away Friday, December 25, 2015 in Decatur Memorial Hospital.
Keith was born May 16, 1923 in Beecher City, Illinois, the son of Homer L. and Ina E. (Holman) Howell. He proudly served his country in the U.S. Army during World War II. Keith received his bachelor’s degree from Eastern Illinois University and his master’s degree from Iowa State University. He began his teaching career at Beecher City High School in 1946 and taught there for nine years. He then moved to Decatur in 1957 and was the science teacher at Johns Hill Junior High School where he retired in 1983. Keith was a member of Northwest Christian Church, NEA, IEA, IRTA, PTA, and Beecher City Masonic Lodge #665. He enjoyed watching game shows and Illini basketball. He married Violet Drees June 25, 1948. She preceded him in death September 24, 2006.
Keith leaves behind his children Homer L. Howell, Alan T. Howell and wife Gail, Kerry Songer and husband Larry, Rita DeVore and husband Bruce, grandchildren Justin DeVore and wife Brittany, Rachel Smith and husband Gary, Stephanie Mays and husband Clark, and Julie Howell, step-grandson Kerry David Songer, seven great-grandchildren, and special friend Willie Snow.
Keith was preceded in death by his parents and wife.
The family would like to give a special thanks to the nurses and staff at Keystone Gardens, Imboden Creek Living Center, and Decatur Memorial Hospital for all of their compassionate care.
Services to celebrate Keith’s life will be 10 AM Wednesday, December 30, 2015 at Northwest Christian Church, 1306 N Stanley Ave, Decatur. Visitation will be from 5-7 PM Tuesday, December 29, 2015 at Graceland/Fairlawn Funeral Home and for thirty minutes prior to the services at the church. Family requests casual attire. Burial will be in Graceland Cemetery. Memorials are suggested to Northwest Christian Church or the Alzheimer’s Association.
The family of Keith Holman Howell is being served by the Graceland/Fairlawn Funeral Home, 2091 N. Oakland Ave. Decatur, IL. Please view the online obituary, send condolences, and share memories at www.gracelandfairlawn.com.
Video Tribute for Keith H. Howell: https://www.tributeslides.com/tributes/show/J4XK8CS8L8R5BYH7
What’s your fondest memory of Keith?
What’s a lesson you learned from Keith?
Share a story where Keith's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Keith you’ll never forget.
How did Keith make you smile?