HOWELL, Harold "Lee" - June 7, 1944 - d. October 10, 2025

[patyrn]

Harold "Lee" Howell, age 81, of Howard, Kansas, passed away on October 10, 2025.  He was born on June 7, 1944 in Winfield, Kansas to Harold Logan Howell and Lillian Lucille (Bonnell) Howell.

Lee graduated from Howard High School in 1962.  He then worked construction for his father before proudly joining the United States Army where he was stationed in Germany.  After his military service, he began a lifelong career in construction, first working alongside his father and later with several companies including Shore and Sons, George Myers Construction, and Sherwood Construction.  After retiring, Lee found a need to stay busy and worked for Harrod's Inc.

Lee grew up in a family that performed at rodeos where he showcased his skills in trick roping.  However, it's been said that he would rather chase girls at those events than perform along with the family. 

In January of 1967, Lee married the love of his life, Kay Thurman, and soon added two daughters to complete their loving family.  Lee and Kay built a wonderful life for themselves and their daughters in Howard.  In order to provide for Kay and the girls, Lee often worked away from home.  Although he did not receive a college education, through his hard work and eagerness to learn, he was able to achieve the position of superintendent of multi-million-dollar construction projects.

Lee's daughters were the light of his life and the center of his universe.  Then they gave him grandchildren who took over that role.  Attending his grandchildren's sporting events gave him immense pride.  Lee also enjoyed tinkering with cars, refurbishing old pendulum clocks, KU basketball, and golf.  Lee will be remembered for his dedication to provide for and protect his family, his hard nose approach to work, and his orneriness.

Lee is survived by his wife, Kay Howell; daughters, Gina (Craig) Wilson and Stacy Howell; grandchildren, Tristen Wilson, Rae'Ven Loudermilk, Isaiahh Loudermilk, and Devin Loudermilk; his sister, Pat McKinley; and numerous nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his parents as well as his grandson, Damon Lee Wilson whom he missed greatly.

Cremation has been requested with a graveside Celebration of Life service to be held on Saturday, October 18, 2025 at10:30 am. at Cresco Cemetery north of Howard, Kansas.  The family has established a memorial for American Legion Carter-Rader Post #0149.  Those can be left with or mailed to the funeral home.  Online condolences may be left for the family at www.countrysidefh.com.  Services are under the direction of Countryside Funeral Home, 206 E. Washington, Howard, Kansas 67349.

(taken from the Countryside Funeral Home website)