CENTRALIA — Danny Thomas Howell, 73, of Centralia, passed away on July 8, 2023, with his bride by his side.
Born in Golden, Mississippi, on October 12, 1949, to Loriece and Fred Howell, Danny lived his early life in Red Bay, Alabama.
Danny came to Southern Illinois in 1960 with his family when his father came to town with the Illinois Central Railroad. While waiting on the school bus, he met his wife, Sara Howell, and they wed on October 12, 1967. Sara survives in Centralia.
In addition to his wife of 55 years, he is also survived by his children: Christina Ray and husband Frank of Centralia, Danna Lewis and husband William of Colp, Illinois, Garrett Howell and wife Kate of Columbus, Indiana, and Kimberly Smith and husband Brian of Centralia; eight grandchildren: Brynn, Annabelle, Elise, Grant, Molly, Natalie, Charlotte, and Lauren; 2 sisters: Charlotte Lyons and husband Chuck of Centralia and Tina Quick and husband Steve of Centralia; and several nieces and nephews.
Soft-spoken and strong-willed, he had an enormous heart and a wonderful sense of humor. Clever and full to the brim with knowledge gained through all of his life experiences, his working years as a kid transporter, factory worker, and jack of all trades were cut short after a heart attack that ended his working days suddenly. Danny seized the opportunity to be a stay-at-home dad, where he would go on to be infamous for his cookies, gardening, checking your tire pressure, and ensuring you knew how to mow a straight line.
Forever proud of his family and the St. Louis Cardinals. He knew how to give a good hug and a good apology.
Later in life, Danny became a woodworker, craftsman, and political enthusiast, but most of all, he became a grandpa who will be remembered for all the heart he shared with his family and the many pets who came into his life along the way. He truly loved each of them. When his time came, he carried himself with dignity and strength and was full of love for those who had been a part of his life and who had helped care for him while he was sick. He will be missed dearly.
Danny was preceded in death by his parents: Fred and Loriece Howell, brother: Paul Howell, and sister: Mary Redman.
Visitation will be held Friday, July 14, 2023, from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at the Sutherland-Garnier Funeral Home in Centralia. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the family and will be accepted at the Sutherland-Garnier Funeral Home at 235 North Sycamore Street Centralia, Illinois 62801, (618)532-3523, which is honored to be of service to the Howell Family. Online condolences may be made to the family by visiting sutherlandfuneralhome.com and the Sutherland-Garnier Funeral Home Facebook Page.