Pekin ~ Terry Stewart Howell, 83, of Pekin, passed away on Sunday, September 27, 2026, at Carle Health - Methodist Hospital in Peoria. He was born on January 29, 1943, in Fulton, Missouri, a son of Frank Stewart Howell and Berniece Francis (Tipton) Howell. Terry married Jeannie M. Fitch on December 23, 1974, in Holt Summit, Missouri. She survives.
Terry is also survived by his son, Gregg Howell; daughter, Stacy (Matt) Stotler; 6 grandchildren, Kelsie Litz, Addison (Jessica) Stotler, Hannah Stotler, Cleyton Howell, Preston Stotler, Austin Howell; 1 great-grandchild, Finnley Howell; one sister, Nancy (David) West; brother-in-law, Glenn (Bonnie) Fitch; and several beloved nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; and one infant brother.
Terry served his country honorably as a Command Sergeant Major in the United States Army Reserves. He served during the Vietnam War and Operation Desert Storm. He was in the military for 34 years, retiring in 2003. His love of country was evident in every Veterans Day and Memorial Day celebration he attended each year in the community. He proudly wore his Army hat and Veterans watch daily.
Terry attended Westminster College in Fulton, Missouri.
Terry taught at Roosevelt School and Calvin Coolidge School in Peoria, retiring in 1993. His love for science continued and he was often creating learning experiences and experiments for his children, grandchildren, and their friends.
He was a member of the Pekin Elks Lodge 1271, where he served as Secretary. He was also a member of the VFW. He enjoyed spending time with family and friends, bowling, gardening, and taking care of hummingbirds.
Terry's memorial service will be at 11:00 am on Monday, October 12, 2026, at the Preston-Hanley Funeral Home in Pekin. Rev. Dwight Winnett will officiate. His memorial visitation will be from 5:00 pm to 6:45 pm on Sunday, October 11, 2026, also at the funeral home. There will be an Elks Memorial Service at 6:45 pm on Sunday at the funeral home. The Inurnment will follow the memorial service on Monday at War Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Pekin with full military honors.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Illinois Elks Children's Care Corporation at https://www.illinoiselksccc.org/donate.html or the Greater Peoria Honor Flight at https://www.greaterpeoriahonorflight.org/
Online condolences may be shared with Terry's family at www.Preston-Hanley.com
