A lifelong Maine resident, Tom attended Deering High School, where he played varsity football. Upon graduation in 1969, he continued his athletic career playing basketball and baseball at the University of Maine at Machias. He would later reside in Topsham, ME, where he raised his children.
Through his children he found his love for the game of soccer. After a decade coaching his son and daughter, this passion led him to coach teams for Mt. Ararat High School, Freeport High School, and numerous travel leagues throughout the Greater Portland area.
The players he coached benefited from his compassionate, dedicated, and optimistic spirit, just as his children have. Tom, or Coach Tom, was dependable to friend, family, and player alike. You could always count on his presence and support. He will be greatly missed by all.
He was predeceased by his parents, Mildred and Elton Howell.
He is survived by his children, Jefferson Howell and his wife Shannon of Seattle, WA, and Rebecca Howell of Los Angeles, CA; his beloved granddaughter, Ophelia Howell, of Seattle, WA; siblings, Suzanne McIver and her husband Michael, and Steven Howell and wife Heidi, all of Portland, ME; nieces and nephews, Courtney McIver and her children Sam and Riley of Manchester, NH, Elizabeth McIver, Andrew McIver, Brett Howell, and Ryan Howell of Portland, ME; and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins.
Relatives and friends are invited to a time of visitation from 4-7 pm on Friday, June 22, 2018 at Jones Rich & Barnes Funeral Home, 199 Woodford St. Portland.
A celebration of life will be held at 12:30 pm on Saturday, June 23rd, at Wilde Memorial Chapel in Evergreen Cemetery, 672 Stevens Avenue in Portland. At Tom’s request, there will be a tailgate at Evergreen Cemetery prior to the service at 11:00 am. Formal, casual or soccer attire welcome.
Please visit www.jonesrichandbarnes.com to sign Tom’s online guest book.
