Joe W. Howell

Joel “Joe” W. Howell, Jr, 92, returned to his heavenly home on November 7, 2023 after a lengthy journey with dementia. Through it all, Joe was confident of his ultimate and final destination, Heaven, where he is now healthy praising his Savior, Jesus Christ. Joe was born in Herrin, Illinois to Joe & Helen Howell and graduated from Herrin High School. Following graduation, he enlisted in the US Air Force and served 4 years in Korea as a staff sergeant. When he returned from Korea, he became engaged and later married Kay Lukens Howell. On November 16, 2023, they would have celebrated 71 years of marriage. Joe spent his work career in motor freight sales starting with Bonifield Bros Truck Line in Chicago Illinois and later in West Frankfort, Illinois. In 1984, Joe came to Tyler with Bowman Transportation and settled in as a Texan. He joined Green Acres Baptist Church and enjoyed serving as an usher for over 35 years welcoming people through “his door” in the balcony. In retirement he enjoyed delivering travel documents to clients of his daughter’s travel agency, Travel Masters. He loved to fly fish and absolutely enjoyed traveling while logging 68 cruises which always included enjoying double desserts. His final cruise was the Society Islands in French Polynesia. Joe is survived by his wife, Kay and daughter, Sharon, as well as his beloved Goldendoodle granddog, Ollie. Joe intentionally loved his family and modeled the love of his heavenly Father. Additional survivors include a brother, Jerry Howell and wife, Judy of Carterville, Illinois, several nieces and nephews and “adopted” grandsons, Reed and Eric Burdette, who affectionately called him Pop. He is preceded in death by his parents and one brother. Graveside services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on November 9, 2023 at Cathedral in the Pines Memorial Gardens with Pastor Dr. David O. Dykes & Kevin Burdette officiating. The family graciously declines flowers but requests donations to Hospice of East Texas, 4111 University Blvd, Tyler, TX 75701, (www.hospiceofeasttexas.org) for the outstanding care, love and support given Joe prior to his earthly departure.

Joe W. Howell

June 29, 1931 - November 7, 2023