Joe Allen Howell, aged 88, of Convoy, Ohio, passed away in his home surrounded by family in the morning hours of June 20, 2024, in Crestview, FL.

He was born on July 17, 1935, in Arcanum, OH, to Russell "Bud" Howell and Helen Elizabeth (Owens) Howell. He is preceded in death by his parents, stepmother Clarabelle Howell, two brothers, Larry and Ralph, and his former spouse Delores "Dee" Howell (Simpson).

A stranger to none and welcoming to all who called him family, Joe was a devoted father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He is survived by his children, Wayne A. (Christina) Howell, Yvonne K. (Brian) Phillips, Elizabeth O. Howell; his brother Tom Howell; his grandchildren Marcus A. (Anissia) Howell, Elizabeth, Cheyenne, Sadie, Dakota "Skye", Cassandra; and great-grandchildren Miles, Hayes, Alester, and Ellie, as well as countless nieces and nephews.

Graduating from The Ohio State University in 1953, Joe taught generations of local Van Wert County and Mercer County high school students, remaining an avid high school sports fan and devoted Buckeye until his death. He enjoyed spending his free time volunteering at the Niswonger Performing Arts Center, The Salvation Army, and the Recycling Center of Van Wert.

Services will be held at 6:00 p.m. on Friday, June 28, 2024, at Cowan & Son Funeral Home and Cremation Services in Van Wert. There will be calling hours from 1:00 p.m. until the time of service on Friday, with private interment to be held at a later date.

Preferred memorials can be made to The Salvation Army of Van Wert.

Expressions of sympathy may be forwarded at cowanfuneralhome.com, Tribute Wall.