Charles B. Howell

Charles Benton Howell (MSGT, USAF Ret.) passed away peacefully surrounded by his family in his home on November 5, 2021 in Universal City, Texas at the age of 86. He was born March 2, 1935, in Millers Creek, Kentucky to Charles B. Howell and Nora Lee Schuller Howell. He grew up in Millers Creek and Jeffersonville, Indiana and attended Irvine High School in Irvine, Kentucky.

He joined the US Air Force on July 8, 1954 at Sampson Air Force Base, New York, and served until retirement on January 31, 1977, at Randolph Air Force Base, Texas. He served in many locations such as California, Hawaii, Colorado, and Vietnam. His many awards and decorations included the Meritorious Service Medal, Air Force Commendation Medal, Air Force Good Conduct Medal with 5 Oak Leaf Clusters, National Defense Service Medal, Armed Forces Longevity Service Award with 4 Oak Leaf Clusters, Small Arms Expert Marksmanship, and the Vietnam Service Medal.

Charles had many interests such as repairing cars, hunting, computers, canoeing, playing the guitar and painting, but his greatest passion was reserved for his family. He loved supporting his wife in her sewing business and community endeavors, helping his son rebuild cars, motorcycles and robots, assisting his daughter with practicing her piano and constructing school projects, buying his grandchildren every imaginable tech gadget, and laughing and playing with his great-grandchildren. He encouraged his entire family to try the impossible, then call him if things went wrong.

Charles is survived by his sister, Ruby Richardson of Irvine, Kentucky, his daughter Susan Veitschegger and husband Rick of San Antonio, Texas, and his son, Charles Benton Howell Jr. and wife Judy of Schertz, Texas. He also leaves behind his grandchildren, Lauren McLaurin and husband Jason, Andrew Veitschegger and wife Liz, and Charles Benton Howell III, as well as great-grandchildren Claire, Anna, Adeline, and Eleanor. He is preceded in death by his wife of 65 years, Margaret Mary Howell, his parents, his sister Galena (Peggy) Graber, and his brother Kenneth Howell.

In lieu of flowers, kindly consider making a donation to the American Heart Association at American Heart Association | To be a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives

Interment will follow after a private graveside service at Ft. Sam Houston National Cemetery.