Earl "Gene" Howell

Earl "Gene" Howell, 89, of Springfield, passed away at 4:31 p.m. on Monday, September 10, 2018, at Memorial Medical Center. Gene was born June 1, 1929, in Springfield, the son of Earl Earnest and Irene Edith George Howell. Gene graduated from Lanphier High School. He retired from the State of Illinois Department of Corrections in 1996, previously worked in management and installation at Dunns Paint Company, and owned Floor Fashions by Howell. He proudly served our country in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. Gene was a former president of 38 Club, Grand Knight of Knights of Columbus Council 4175, and a member of Joes Club and St. Aloysius Catholic Church. Gene enjoyed woodworking, traveling, golfing, and visiting casinos. Gene was an avid Chicago Cubs fan. He also never missed the Dr. Swing (Bill Hickerson) radio show on WQNA-FM, and he would constantly call in to answer the trivia question of the day. Gene was preceded in death by his parents; his first wife, Agnes Tapocik Howell; second wife, Mary Butchek Howell; third wife, Velma Falconer; son, Danny Howell; and siblings, James Howell, Carolyn Kline, Joanne Witt, and Connie Bell. He is survived by his daughters, Dena (Lynn) Marshall-Howell of Springfield and Anita Oxencis of Hillsboro; three stepchildren; four grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; siblings, Ronald Howell of Springfield and Virginia "Ginny" (Dick) Schafer of Knoxville, TN; several nieces and nephews; and his beloved dog, Sarge. Visitation: Family will receive friends from 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. on Sunday, September 16, 2018, at Kirlin-Egan & Butler Funeral Home, 900 S. 6th Street, Springfield. Funeral Ceremony: 10:30 a.m. on Monday, September 17, 2018, at Kirlin-Egan & Butler Funeral Home with Rev. Craig Anderson officiating. Burial will follow at Camp Butler National Cemetery with military honors provided by Interveterans Burial Detail of Sangamon County. Memorial contributions may be made to American Cancer Society, 675 E. Linton, Springfield, IL 62703 or American Heart Association, Greater Midwest Affiliate, Memorials and Tributes, 3816 Paysphere Circle, Chicago, IL 60674.