Charles Monroe Howell

Charles Monroe Howell, of Oklahoma City, passed away surrounded by family on September 19, 2025, at the age of 77. Charles was born on November 22, 1947, in Muskogee, Oklahoma, to Ellen Mary (Ward) Howell and Marvin Monroe Howell.

As a youth, he attended Luther Burbank Elementary School, Taft Middle School, and graduated from Northwest Classen High School, class of 1966.

He had an honorable tenure in the United States Army from 1967 to 1969, during which time he served in Vietnam and was awarded a Purple Heart and other service medals.

He earned a Bachelor of Business Administration in 1972 and a Juris Doctorate in 1979, both from Oklahoma City University. His employment spanned across accounting and IT fields.

Those who knew Charles will recall his analytical approach to life's challenges, always ready with a spreadsheet, solution, or a strategy to move forward. With a passion for family history research, he meticulously uncovered details from the past and volunteered at the FamilySearch Center to help others do the same.

A dedicated member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and a long-time member of the OKC 1st Ward, Charles faithfully served in the Oklahoma City Temple, working as a sealer to unite families for eternity, including the honor of officiating four of his granddaughters' marriages.

Family was important to Charles. In his words, “the best times were when all the kids were home and we would go camping at Lake Eufaula or Robbers cave and Christmases of course.” Showing support for his kids, he attended and at times even assisted with their extracurricular activities such as wrestling tournaments, science fairs, school plays, band, volleyball matches, dance performances, cheerleading, and so on. Always ready to work, he often showed up to family projects with his tape measure, index card, pen, and toolbox in hand.

Eagerly anticipating family reunions, he made detailed plans in preparation. In true Charles form, his recent reunion talent show demonstration was how to multiply Roman Numerals. He was also the author of the reunion safety motto: “No severe sunburns, No one shot or drowned. No broken bones or excessive blood loss. No one lost for more than a half-hour at a time.”

Charles is survived by his wife of 54 years, Vickie (Jacobson) Howell, siblings, Gary Howell, Mary Ann Cockrum, and Barbara Roewe (Mike); children Kim High (Ryan), Stacy Howell, Amber Sistla (Raj), Shelly Lyons (Jesse), Julie Stuart (Jeff), Eric Howell (Jama), Connie McKee (Devin), Nyssa Howell, and Sarah Howell (Patrick).

Proud patriarch to 21 grandchildren: Taylor High-Garff (Jaren), Jacob High, Nishaant Sistla, Saranya Sistla, Megan Lyons Keller (Josh), Ashley Lyons Phillips (Logan), Nicole Lyons Dimond (Reid), Hannah Lyons, Emily Lyons, Jesse T Lyons, Noah Stuart, Sydney Stuart, London Stuart, Lorena McKee Cook (Tyler), Ammon McKee, Benjamin McKee, Kayla McKee, Kenzi McKee, Lindzy McKee, Aaron McKee, Daniel McKee, and 3 & 7/9ths great-grandchildren, Edith Keller, Beckett Phillips, Elise Phillips, and baby Dimond (arriving soon).

While we are saddened by Charles’ sudden passing, we are comforted by the knowledge of eternal families and that we will see him again. We know he is with his Savior with work to do.

A funeral service for Charles will be held Saturday, September 27, 2025 at 11:00 AM at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 5020 NW 63rd St, Oklahoma City, OK 73132. Following the funeral service will be a committal service at Gracelawn Cemetery, 73003, Edmond, OK 73034.