John Thomas Howell

John grew up in Franklin County and Wake County, NC. He worked on his family farm outside of the city limits. He was the oldest of 4 children and got the most responsibility. In 1959 he moved to Moorseville, NC. He enjoyed chasing girls and hanging out with his friends as a young man.

In the mid 60’s he joined the Army where he served in Germany. He was scheduled to be sent to Vietnam but was in a jeep wreck so the military medically discharged him. He loved NASCAR and always cheered for Dale Earnhardt. After serving in the Army he began working construction with his uncle. He eventually moved to Texas to be a welder.

John met Catherine in 2000 and they spend the last 14 years together. He enjoyed playing with toy race cars, working the yard and country western music. He loved his motorcycles, fast cars, going fishing and camping as well as playing pool. John was a guitar player in a local band and was always tinkering. He was a member of the Moose Lodge in Arlington, Texas.

John was a good hearted man who was strong willed and hard headed. He could joke with you then turn around and sit by himself to think. He loved his dogs and watched the Panthers and Colts. In May of 2014 he was diagnosed with throat cancer and then in September they found out it was stage 4.

John is preceded in death by his parents John Ervin Howell and Eleanor Vivian Stallings; brother David Allan Howell.

He is survived by he fiancé Catherine Schelin; children Matthew “Matt” Howell, Wanda Martinez and her husband Daniel, Hollie Rodgers and her husband Caleb; grandchildren Cheyenne, Jansen; soon to be grandson Lexton Thomas; sisters Evelyn Robbins and her husband Jearell, Edith Campbell and her husband Larry also numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.