Robert M. Howell

Robert M. Howell, age 79 of Gratis, OH died at his residence on Saturday, December 30, 2023.  He was born July 15, 1944 in St. Johns, Newfoundland, Canada to Albert and Sylvia Howell. Bob was a member of the Eaton First Church of God.  He was a veteran, though a Canadian citizen, he fought for the United States in the Vietnam War.  He worked at Square “D” Company in Middletown, Ohio and shod horses until his health would not permit him.  He loved raising, training and showing racking horses and Tennessee Walking horses with which he and his wife Shirley traveled over much of the southwestern United States.  Bob was an avid camper, often with his trail horses in Whitewater Park in Indiana and frequented Pigeon Forge Tennessee several times over a year.  One of his greatest joys was entertaining his family.  Bob was a tender-hearted person who actually gave the boots off his feet and hat off his head to several people.  Bob was well loved.  Bob was preceded in death by his parents, his brothers Ernest (Ruby dec.) Howell, Alec (Nell dec.) Howell, Walter (Ruth) Howell, Truman (Phyllis dec.) Howell, Donald Wilson, sisters Annabelle (Frank dec.) Wickette, Sylvia Howell, Lillian (Griffin dec.) Flynt, and nephew Wayne Howell.  Bob is survived by his wife of 35 years, Shirley Howell of Somerville OH, brothers Clarence (Eileen dec.) Howell, James (Marie) Howell, Michael Wilson, and special nephews Ernest (Pat) Howell, Ron (Marilyn) Howell, Frank (Agnes) Howell, Darrell (Michelle) Howell, special nieces Geraldine (Chet) Campbell, Ruby (Ed) Murphy, Karen (Walter) Hussey, Vicki (Tim) Smallwood, and many treasured nieces and nephews.  Special thanks to Dr. James Thomson, Barb Flowers and staff for their considerate care.  Visitation will be held on Thursday, January 4, 2024 from 11:30 am until time of funeral service at 1:00 pm at Gard Funeral Home, 113 Ada Doty Street, Gratis, OH with Pastor Aaron Holman officiating.  Burial will follow at Fairview Cemetery in Gratis, OH.  Memorial Contributions may be made to the charity of the donor's choice.  Online condolences and other remembrances may be sent by visiting www.gardfuneralhome.com.