Donald was born June 23, 1953 in Columbus, Ohio, the son of the late Emogene (Burriss) and Fred Howell. He passed away Sunday, October 3, 2021 in a Nacogdoches hospital.
Donald was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and brother. He adored his grandchildren. He enjoyed John Wayne movies, fishing, being on the water, woodworking and collecting guns. Donald served his country in the United States Army during the Vietnam War.
Survivors include his wife, Melissa Howell of Lufkin; son, Charles “Charlie” Howell of Athens, Ohio; daughter, Amanda Jones of Lufkin; son, Tony Howell of Owensboro, Kentucky; daughter, Ashley Maheux of Eugene, Oregon; a number of grandchildren; sisters, Freda Martin and Zorah Howard, both of Ohio; and a number of nieces, nephews, and other family members.
Services have been placed in the trust of Gipson Funeral Home.
