Don Hugh Howell

Don Hugh Howell, 86, longtime resident of Jacksonville, passed away on January 24, 2010. He was one of the youngest chiefs in the Navy in World War II and served on the USS Franklin. When it was bombed, he spent seven hours in the frigid waters of the Pacific before being rescued. After his Naval time he spent 35 years working for Seaboard Railroad/CSX as an Electrical Engineer. He was a mason and belonged to Woodstock Park Lodge No. 313. He was also a Shriner. His was a life fully lived. He was a loving husband to his wife of 32 years, Elizabeth, who survives. Also surviving are five children, Donna (Derrell) Burnsed, Kenneth (Beth ) Howell, Ann (Lin) Abercrombie, Ronald (Dorothy) Swinson and Cindy Swinson, two brothers, Harold (Frances) Howell, John (Betty) Howell, ten grandchildren, seven great grandchildren, six nephews, two nieces and many loving friends.A celebration of his life will be held on Thursday, January 28 at 11:00 am at Hardage-Giddens Funeral Home, 4115 Hendricks Ave., Jacksonville, FL 32207. Please sign the guest book and leave your message of comfort at MEM.com.