John Edwin Howell

East Lansing, Michigan

Colonel John Edwin Howell, US Air Force, Retired, 71, passed away on Monday, October 10, 2011 in Lansing, MI. COL. Howell was preceded in death by his parents, John A. and Alice (Kantz) Howell. He is survived by his wife, Charlotte Morris, and numerous cousins.

Born in Pontiac, Michigan on June 29, 1940, John attended Pontiac Public Schools and graduated from Pontiac High School. He attended the University of Michigan where he was a member of the marching band and Air Force ROTC. Following graduation John was commissioned a second lieutenant in the Air Force Reserve, and graduated from the University of Michigan Law School in 1965.

John then moved to California where he passed the California Bar and entered active duty as a captain in the Air Force Judge Advocate Staff. He then began a twenty five year career of progressively more responsible assignments in the Philippines, England, Japan and several bases in the United States. He concluded his career with seven years as the Air Force’s chief trial judge. His military awards and decorations include the Legion of Merit, Meritorious Service Medal with three Oak Leaf Clusters, Air Force Commendation Medal, Air Force Overseas short and long tour ribbons, the National Defense Service Medal, and the Korean Presidential Unit Citation.

After retiring from military service John continued his legal career as chief of the Administrative Office’s new Article III Judges Division in Washington DC. Then from 1999 to 2008 he practiced law in Washington DC as a veteran’s advocate before all levels of Veterans Affairs Courts. He maintained membership in the California Bar, Federal Bar, and District of Columbia Bar Associations.

John was secretary-treasurer of the Federal American Inn of Court and deputy chair of the Federal Bar Association’s Military Courts Committee. He was a member of the American Judges Association, and the Joint Services Trial and Appellate Military Judges Judicial Discipline working group. His military associations include the Military Officers Association, VFW, and Air Force Mutual Aid Association.

Funeral Services will be held Sunday October 16, at 4:00 p.m., at University United Methodist Church, 1120 S. Harrison Rd., East Lansing Michigan with the Reverend Dr. Jennifer Browne and the Reverend William Chu officiating. The family will receive friends Saturday from 4-8 p.m. at Gorsline Runciman Funeral Home 1730 E. Grand River Ave., East Lansing, and Sunday 3:00 p.m. at the church. Interment will be held at a later date in Arlington National Cemetery. Those desiring may make contributions in John’s memory to Habitat for Humanity, 1941 Benjamin Dr., Lansing MI 48906 or the Alzheimer’s Association, Michigan Great Lakes Chapter, 310 N. Main, Suite 100, Chelsea, MI 48118. On-line condolences may be made at www.greastlansing.com.