Obituary: W. Thomas Howell

W. Thomas Howell 1914 ~ 2006 William Thomas Howell, 91, passed away March 5, 2006 in Provo, Utah at his son's home after a prolonged illness. He was born December 21, 1914 in Woodruff, Idaho, the son of Thomas Leslie Howell and Margaret Rosella Gibbs Howell; grandson of Thomas Jefferson Howell, Mary Jane Heaton, William Henry Gibbs and Letitia John. Thomas graduated from Cyprus High School in Magna, UT and earned his Eagle Scout Award. Following his attendance at Utah State University, he met and married Marguerite Gallaher in June 1938. From experience gathered while working on the Hoover Dam in Nevada, he started an exciting career working for Bechtel Corporation as a Concrete Engineer. After various projects in California, Montana and Washington, he began his foreign assignments for Bechtel. In May 1966 they moved to New Zealand; 1970 to Labrador, Canada; 1974 to Indonesia and 1978 to Saudi Arabia to construct their international airport. Retirement came in 1985 at age 70. Homes after retirement were in Mt. Pleasant, Utah and Chesterfield, Missouri. While in Chesterfield he served The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as a Nursery Worker for 15 years. This unique experience for "Grandpa Howell" was noted in the Ensign magazine. Highlights of his life include an LDS Temple Mission to Dallas, TX and service in the temples in Chicago Illinois and St. Louis Missouri. His church service in Escondido, CA is mentioned in the book "They Brought Their Faith" written by Wallace F. Gray, 1993. Another highlight of his life was winning the Seniors Double Tennis Championship in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. He enjoyed sports throughout his life. Thomas is survived by his beloved wife Marguerite Gallaher Howell of Provo, and three sons, Thomas R. (Judith) of Provo, Norman L. of Newport Beach, CA and Kenneth W. of Venice, CA; two daughters, Mary L. (Howard) Ludwig of Foresthill, CA, and Vaughna "Bonnie" (Preston) King of Chesterfield, MO; 21 grandchildren and 42 great-grandchildren; sister-in-law Kathleen Gallaher of Provo, UT and brother-in-law Jack E. Gallaher of Flagstaff, AZ. He was preceded in death by siblings Reta Jensen Bloom, Rosella Griffin, Mary Williamson, John Loyal Howell, Leo Howell, Velma Christensen and Delta Waldron. Funeral services will be held Saturday, March 11, 2006 at 12:00 pm at the Portage Ward Chapel, 8900 West 25800 North, Portage, UT. Family and friends may visit from10:30 to 11:45 prior to services. Funeral arrangements were assisted by Benson-Horsley Funeral Home of Malad, ID.