Dr. John Christian Howell

Dr. John C. Howell, 92, of the Village of Oaks, Mo, completed his earthly journey on September 6, 2016. He passed peacefully after a short illness. John was born February 24, 1924 in Miami, FL to Heman and Laura Howell. John loved his childhood years in Miami and focused on journalism during high school. At 16, John went to work in his parent’s restaurants until the death of his mother when the Army called. He served in the Pacific and while a passenger in a Jeep that was hit on his side by a large truck, spent 3 months in a body cast. His return home to Miami began the relationship that was the most important in his life when he met his future wife Doris. They spent 66 loving years together until her death in 2013. John graduated from Stetson University, Deland, FL in 1952 and earned his first doctorate degree in Theology from Southwestern Seminary in Ft. Worth, TX in 1960. During those years he pastored churches in Crowley, TX and Bradenton, FL. John was then called to the newly formed Midwestern Baptist Seminary, Kansas City in 1960 as professor of Christian Ethics where he spent 39 years until his retirement in 1999. During that time he also served as Academic Dean and is Dean Emeritus for the Seminary. His career is filled with highlights including recognition as an Outstanding Educator of America, Who’s Who in Midwest Men of Achievement and Excellence in Family Ministry. He authored nine books on Marriage and Family Life and contributed to many others, was a marriage counselor for 11 years at Midwest Christian Counseling Center and was a Family Life Conference Leader in the US, England, Europe and Africa providing great travel experiences for he and Doris. John and Doris attended Second Baptist Church, Liberty, where he acted as head of the Senior Adult Department and they enjoyed their many friends. He also continued to write a column of Sunday School lessons for the Word and Way magazine until his death. John was a loving and supportive father and grandfather and dedicated husband. He was a man of rare calm, consistency and honor through challenging times. We will miss him so, but know that he is again with his cherished companion and in the place he had always believed in, the loving arms of God. He is preceded in death by his parents and wife Doris. He is survived by his sons Michael and Mark, his grandchildren John (Rachel) Howell and Lauren (Michael) Ginestra, and great-grand children Audrey and Jayce. Visitation is at Second Baptist Church at 2 pm Sunday, September 11, followed by services at 3 pm. Interment will be at Barry Cemetary (Hwy 169 and Barry Rd) Monday the 12th at 10 am.