John D. Howell

A service to celebrate the life of John Howell will be 2 pm Sunday, June 21, 2015 at the First Baptist Church of Natchitoches with Bro. Tommy Rush officiating. Interment will follow at Coldwater Cemetery, Hagewood, LA. The family will receive friends from 5 pm until 8 pm on Saturday June 20, 2015 at First Baptist Church of Natchitoches. John, 44 years of age, passed away Thursday, June 18, 2015. He was born October 22, 1970 in Houston, Texas to Don and Regina Howell. He was a 1988 graduate of St. Mary’s Catholic School. He played basketball for St. Mary’s and earned an invitation to play in the Louisiana High School All-Star game. He earned a scholarship to play basketball for Panola Junior College. He returned and earned a bachelor’s degree from Northwestern State University. Since 2000 he owned John Howell Allstate agency. He was very active with The First Baptist Church of Natchitoches, serving as an ordained Deacon, and was an instrumental part of the Upward Basketball Program. He served as a basketball coach for the St. Mary’s Varsity boys basketball team in 2013-14. He was very active in his son’s lives, coaching Dixie youth, travel baseball, and Bossier Parks and Recreation basketball league. His lively spirit and towering presence will be sorely missed. "A good name is more desirable than great wealth. Respect is better than silver or gold." Proverbs 22:1 When you hear the name John Howell you think of a man who soared above the rest. His witty humor, his gentle smile, and the love and admiration he had for Amy and his boys was beautiful to watch. He left a lasting impression on our hearts and on our community. He left his good name and to Amy and his boys that is the most amazing gift. In keeping with John’s loving and generous spirit, it was his decision to donate life so that others may live. He is survived by his wife of 20 years, Amy White Howell; his sons, John Aaron Howell and Thomas Jackson Howell; father, Hugh Don Howell; and mother-in-law, Linda White and an extended family that loved him very much. He was preceded in death by his mother, Regina Howell; his grandparents, Elmore and Gloria Howell and Regis and Ruth Schmerheim; and father-in-law, Dr. Eddie White. Those honored to serve as pallbearers include: Tommy Mathis, Brian Shelton, Warren Massia, Eric Gilmore, Boyd White, John Lohrengel, Elliott Guidroz, and Dakota Rivers. In lieu of flowers donations in John’s name may be made to First Baptist Church of Natchitoches and/or the St. Mary’s Athletic Department.