Father Howell's funeral will be held at 11:30am, Saturday, October 4th at St. Mark's Episcopal Church, 134 S. Division, Grand Rapids, Michigan where he served for 22 years. A light luncheon will follow.
My fondest memories of Fr. Howell are of his welcoming spirit, genuine interest in others, warm and hearty laugh--and the wonderful aroma of his pipe tobacco that permeated his office, as well as the rectory where I babysat for Joey, Chuck, and Lisa for six years. When I was in high school, he was a nearly daily visitor to our home during the last six months of my dad's life--no easy task for the priest of a busy and involved parish. I learned a great deal about humanity from Joe Howell, and all of it was good.
Fr. Howell always had a kind word, smile and a hearty laugh.I remember he stopped by our house unanounced once, I was honored and susprized. I later learned he and my Dad were enjoying ' an adult beverage' (scotch) during his pastorial visit. It was a privlage to be an acolyte when he was at the altar. he had a habit of winking at you when you passed the elements. Countless people were and still are touched by his dedication, faithfulness and his humanity. He now resides with the living stars. Lux aterna...........
Corkey Snyder (Waite) (1970)
Father Howell's funeral will be held at 11:30am, Saturday, October 4th at St. Mark's Episcopal Church, 134 S. Division, Grand Rapids, Michigan where he served for 22 years. A light luncheon will follow.
My fondest memories of Fr. Howell are of his welcoming spirit, genuine interest in others, warm and hearty laugh--and the wonderful aroma of his pipe tobacco that permeated his office, as well as the rectory where I babysat for Joey, Chuck, and Lisa for six years. When I was in high school, he was a nearly daily visitor to our home during the last six months of my dad's life--no easy task for the priest of a busy and involved parish. I learned a great deal about humanity from Joe Howell, and all of it was good.
John Hughes (1970)
Fr. Howell always had a kind word, smile and a hearty laugh.I remember he stopped by our house unanounced once, I was honored and susprized. I later learned he and my Dad were enjoying ' an adult beverage' (scotch) during his pastorial visit. It was a privlage to be an acolyte when he was at the altar. he had a habit of winking at you when you passed the elements. Countless people were and still are touched by his dedication, faithfulness and his humanity. He now resides with the living stars. Lux aterna...........