Gary L. Howell
Gary was born on March 24, 1941, in Lansing, Michigan; son of Roy and Blanche (Simmon) Howell, Jr. He graduated from Holt High School in 1959 where he excelled in sports, including being honored as an All-State Center in Football. Gary was also President of his Senior class. Upon graduation, Gary worked at Argus Singer Construction Company and the Diamond REO. On October 7, 1963, Gary was sworn in as a police officer for the City of East Lansing.
On March 25, 1961, Gary married the love of his life, Terry Miller. Gary and Terry raised four children: Lori (Norm) DeClercq, Lisa (Mark) Green, LeRoy (Mark Burgler) Howell, and Lana Howell.
Gary was an avid sportsman, enjoying the outdoors; hunting, fishing, and spending time at the cabin with family, friends and his ELPD family. Gary could often be found at one of his children’s athletic events in full uniform, clear across town. He always made time for family.
Gary worked for the East Lansing Police Department for 29 years, retiring on July 19, 1992, at the rank of Lieutenant. Gary and Terry built a beautiful log home on Lake Gogebic in the upper peninsula where they enjoyed the outdoors for 15 years. The couple returned to Mason in 2007 to be closer to family, moving into the home that Terry’s father built in the ‘70s.
On August 19, 2023, Gary passed away peacefully at the home of his daughter and son-in-law, surrounded by his loving family.
Gary was predeceased by his parents; in-laws, Paul & Millie Miller; his brothers, Tom & Carl Howell; and brother-in-law, Dennis Miller. Gary is survived by his wife of 62 years; his four children; grandchildren, Sean Green, Megan (Justin) March, Shane Green, Ryan (Alison) DeClercq, and Jalan Howell; three great-grandsons, Wesley Green, Axel DeClercq and Otto DeClercq; sisters-in-law, Sandra Hellmann, Susan Howell, and Kathy Miller; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.
The funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, August 24, 2023, at the Estes-Leadley Greater Lansing Chapel, located at 325 W. Washtenaw Street, Lansing, Michigan. The family will receive visitors at the funeral home on Wednesday, August 23, 2023, from 3-7 p.m. and one hour prior to the funeral service on Thursday.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Gary’s name to the American Macular Degeneration Foundation at https://www.macular.org/
22 Messages to “Gary L. Howell”
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Daniel Purtill
August 20, 2023 at 12:48 amGary, in my eyes was a special person, special cop and special supervisor and friend. Rest In Peace Gary. To the family, know that many respected Gary for all he did and lived his life.
Michael & Jan Ross
August 20, 2023 at 10:57 amGary was great police officer and respected by many. He loved his community and enjoyed protecting them. He was a good friend. Prayers for his family.
PAMELA S KIERSEY
August 20, 2023 at 2:20 pmIt was so nice for my family to visit with the Howell family recently at the Delhi Cafe!
Our father, Ron Kiersey (dec 1991), worked with Gary at ELPD; and we had gone camping throughout the years, also. Hope they’re fishing together in Heaven! Many fond memories of the whole family.
Doreen Simmon Pavlik
August 20, 2023 at 6:18 pmDoreen SimmonPavlik
First Cousin
I remember Gary even though I was much younger growing up. He had a stature that was a force to be reckoned with but such a kind soft heart.
Of all my fathers nephews Gary was the most like him and reminded me of my Dad every time I saw him. So much so it was bring tears to my eyes
We would walk to visit Terry & Gary when we were kids always so gracious.
He will be missed when the extended family gathers.
Joanne Simmon Stansfield
August 20, 2023 at 9:01 pmJoanne Simmon Stansfield
First Cousin
Gary always seemed bigger than life to me growing up. I also remember walking to visit his and Terry’s home as a youngster. So sorry to hear of his passing. The memories of those early years always included his family.
Becky Flynn Titus (first cousin)
August 21, 2023 at 7:59 amThe four of us Flynn kids grew up going to the family cottage in Mecosta every summer with the Howell boys; and then what a great addition Terry made to the family. Those were some of the happiest days of my life; what fun we all had. (Were there any pictures of us kids not holding fish?) Gary will be greatly missed by all of us left here but I know there was a lot of family joyfully awaiting his arrival.
John & Jo Benson
August 21, 2023 at 9:18 amGary was a police officer who had few equals. Honor, bravery and integrity were his values. To protect and to serve were the way he lived his life.
I had the honor and privilege of working for and with “GH” for over 20 years. He had no equals.
Rest now, my friend. You have earned your Heavenly reward. To your family, know that Gary was someone very special. He was respected by all, as a supervisor and a friend. He will be missed.
Jon Armstrong
August 21, 2023 at 9:40 amGary was “A Cop’s Cop” He cared about family at home and family at ELPD. Gary was an inspiration for the new hires at The Department…..if you want to do it right, watch Gary! After retirement I would occasionally see him at other Officers retirement events. We would briefly riminess about past experiences. It was an honor to have worked with Gary and a privilege to call him my friend.
Gary and his entire family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Colleen Colles
August 21, 2023 at 10:44 amSending my love from Colorado. I wish I could be there for the service. Lisa and Lee, your dad was a great man and I’m so happy I got to meet him and your mom during our Wildcat days in Marquette xoxox. Much love to all.
Jill Dimmitt
August 21, 2023 at 11:47 amAs a neighborhood friend of the Howell kids (especially Lori), Gary was always Mr. Howell to me. He was always kind and friendly. I remember his hunting beagles (and their litters of puppies), helping clean buckets full of smelt, and riding to school in his truck camper that he used for hunting. He was always there for his family and in my childhood memories he was always a strong, quiet presence. As an adult I learned just how much he loved his kids, but especially how much he loved Terry. He was definitely a great man and will be missed. I send my love to all of his kids, whom I love so much, and hope that all of their beautiful memories help soften the loss of their wonderful and much loved dad.
Mary (Irwin) Shutt
August 21, 2023 at 1:15 pmMany, many years ago, we were with the youth group from church at your place at the lake. And I know this will sound strange, but my fondest memory of your dad was him telling me to try the banana pancakes! He said, come on, you’ll like them, try it. I did, and by gosh if he wasn’t right. He always was so warm and friendly, and always put a smile on my face. I am so very sorry for your loss.
John McCandless
August 21, 2023 at 2:18 pmThey broke the mold when they made Lt. Howell that’s for sure. Great police professional and a better person. He came over and helped frame my basement after work on several days. Nothing he wouldn’t do to help someone. A true honor to work for him. RIP.
Sharon Metts
August 21, 2023 at 3:22 pmTo know and work with Gary was an honor. He cared about his family at home and at ELPD. He use to scare me to no end chewing on his toothpicks.
To all of his family, you were so Blessed to have this great man in your lives. Hugs and prayers for all of you.
Doug Richardson
August 21, 2023 at 7:42 pmGrowing up next door to Gary I remember one morning I was going to learn to ride my bike not very successfully I might add. Gary was eating breakfast watching. After eating he came out and helped me ride it.
Jami
August 21, 2023 at 8:49 pmOur deepest sympathy to your entire family. Steven Schrumpf and Jami Dobson -Schrumpf
Elaine Pierce
August 22, 2023 at 5:53 pmGary was one of ELPD’s best! I admired him and loved to listen to his stories of deer hunting and walleye fishing at Lake Gogebic in his beloved Upper Peninsula. He truly lived life!
After Frank and I moved to Iron Mountain, Gary would stop by the State Police Post to chat and share a cup of coffee with Frank, meet us at the local diner or drop off his favorite recipe of bear bait at the Post and talk deer hunting. Our condolences to the Howell family, who above all he cherished most.
Elaine (Sauve) & Frank Pierce
Chris brown
August 24, 2023 at 9:53 pmI remembered when I first wanted to be a policeman and in ELHS you introduce me to him. He was a great guy an I think he wrested like me. I believe he was your partner at one time. I believe he was your partner at one time
Elaine You gave wonderful tribute to him.
Bill & pat Fudge.
August 23, 2023 at 6:00 pmDue to health reasons, we can’t make the services, but rest assured your family will not be forgotten
Fred and Dee Schnarr
August 24, 2023 at 8:23 amGary was a very caring man. He took a sincere interest in my family life away from the job. He cared about the individuals whom he worked with and whom he served.
(From Freddie’s wife Dee): He helped me get through some tough times when Freddie was so ill. I remember that when he talked to our toddlers, he would crouch right down to their level and give them his warm, friendly smile.
He will not be forgotten.
Gloria Stragier
August 25, 2023 at 3:37 pmUnfortunately, was unaware of Gary’s passing until today. I was out of town celebrating my birthday on August 24 and missed his services.
Gary was a very special friend and man. I was so sorry to hear of his passing.
You will be missed, dear friend – rest in peace.
Terry – you and your entire family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Ella Wasper LoVette
August 27, 2023 at 9:01 pmDear Terry, so sorry to hear about the passing of Gary. He will be missed by so many but he had a good life. My love and prayers to you and your family.
Andrew Lucian Goffe
June 5, 2024 at 3:18 pmRest In Peace my fifth cousin once removed.