Kenneth Wylie Howell, age 85, passed away peacefully on November 28, 2025. He was born on October 27, 1940, in Princeton, Kentucky, to Frank and Margaret Howell, both of whom preceded him in death. He was also preceded in death by his sister, Linda; his son, William; and his grandson, Peter.
Ken retired in 2001 after 41 years with Campbell-Ewald, where he began his career in 1960 and ultimately served as Vice President of Properties Management.
Ken leaves behind his loving wife, Kimberley, with whom he shared 39 years of marriage. He is survived by his children Kelley (Tom), Kevin, and Wyatt (Chelsea); his grandchildren Katherine (Carl), Andrew, Sarah, Owen, and Guy; and great-grandchildren Archie and Hobie. He is also survived by his former wife, Karen, and her husband, Randy.
Raised in the Philadelphia Free Will Baptist Church, Ken loved to sing and was often invited to perform at weddings.
Ken had many passions. He was a loyal fan of all things Detroit sports; the Tigers, Lions, Pistons, and Red Wings. He also proudly cheered for Michigan State; his family liked to say that “his blood ran green.”
He bowled at Harbor Lanes for many years and cherished the friendships and camaraderie he found there.
Ken loved poker, euchre, and pinochle, and competed in euchre tournaments with his cousin and best friend, Don Cherry. Poker was his greatest hobby; he once told his sister-in-law, Melissa, that if he could play poker 24/7, he’d be a happy man.
Ken had a deep appreciation for music, especially country and bluegrass. He loved to play Nat King Cole around the holidays. His love of bluegrass came from his Kentucky roots, where at Howell family reunions the uncles and cousins played while his aunts got up to sing. Attending bluegrass festivals became one of his greatest joys. For Ken, life didn’t get any better than being surrounded by family and friends, enjoying music, laughing, and having a great time.
Ken will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.
A visitation will be held at Kaul Funeral Home, located at 27830 Gratiot Ave, Roseville, MI 48066, on December 6, 2025, from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm. Immediately following the visitation, a committal service will follow at Cadillac Memorial Gardens East, 38425 Garfield Road, Clinton Township, MI 48038.
