Richard Howell

Richard Allen Howell, 89, passed away peacefully at home with his family by his side on Tuesday, September 20, 2022.

He is survived by the love of his life, Patsy (nee Barnett); loving father of Allen (Tamara), Amy, Robert (Jill), and Lisa; proud grandfather of Stacy, Daniel, Jimmie, Stephanie, Caitlin, Jessica, Andrew, Matthew, Thomas, Joshua, Benjamin, Aaron, Emily, and Kagan; cherished great grandfather of London, Caleb, Gavin, Declan, Brayden, Landon, Cora, Liam, Lincoln and Blake. He is the dear brother to Ruth Rogers and was preceded in death by his parents, Harry and Ethel Howell, and his sister, Patty.
Richard was born in Wonderland, Ohio and grew up in Columbus, Ohio. He graduated from North High School, was a veteran of the Korean War and graduated from The Ohio State University. While at OSU, he met his beloved Patsy on a blind date. A little more than a year later in 1957, they eloped. Their love story spanned more than 66 years.

During his lifetime, Richard was an active member and former Commander of the American Legion Bartlett Post 1212; he was a member of the Order of DeMolay, a Master Mason and Shriner. He was also very active in the United Methodist Church in Columbus, Ohio, Palatine, Illinois and Bartlett, Illinois. Starting at a young age, Richard was very involved in music and theater. Through encouragement by his Grandmother, he attended the American Boy Choir School during his grade school years. He participated in high school theater and later enjoyed many years with Vaud-Villities, the longest running variety show in the United States. He later became part of Village Theater in Palatine both working behind the scenes and performing on stage.

Visitation will be Monday, September 26, 2022 from 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Countryside Funeral Home 950 South Bartlett Road, Bartlett, Illinois with a service immediately following at 7:00 PM.