Luman "Dean" Howell

Luman “Dean” Howell passed away peacefully at his home in the early morning hours of January 10, 2026. His final weeks were filled with visits from his extensive family and dear friends, who gathered by his side to reminisce and reflect on his full and vibrant life.

Dean was born on October 19, 1937, in Yuma, Colorado, and spent most of his childhood on his family’s farm. The middle of five children, he grew up driving tractors, milking cows, and riding his favorite horse, Snap—experiences that shaped his strong work ethic and loyalty to family.

In 1956, Dean enlisted in the United States Army, serving most of his three-year deployment at Fort Sill in Oklahoma. It was there that he met his late wife, Julita “Kathy” Estenzo. They married in 1959 and built a life rooted in love, faith, and family, raising seven children together.

Following his military service, Dean embarked on a long and successful career with Safeway that spanned nearly four decades. Through dedication and hard work, he rose to become a respected and beloved store manager. His career took him to Colorado, Nebraska, and Iowa, where he formed many lifelong friendships with both coworkers and customers. Under his leadership, Dean’s Boulder store earned numerous awards and honors, consistently ranking among the highest-performing Safeway locations in the nation—often the very top.

Dean retired in 1993 after 38 years with Safeway, and his retirement quickly filled with activity and purpose. He devoted himself to his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, embracing every moment—whether shuttling them to activities, golfing, playing pool with his sons, or fishing. A man of deep faith, Dean attended weekly Bible study and was an active member of Our Savior’s Corner of Hope Church in Lakewood. A die-hard Democrat, he proudly volunteered on numerous political campaigns, including that of his son-in-law, Congressman Ed Perlmutter.

In 2008, Dean met Helen Kirschenman, and they were married the following year in Lakewood, Colorado. Together, they built a warm circle of friends who shared their love of card games, bible study, golf, and travel. Their adventures included cherished trips to Alaska, Hawaii, and Washington, D.C., as well as overseas journeys to Ireland, Scotland, and England.

Dean was a proud and devoted patriarch. Family was everything to him, and he remained actively involved in the lives of each of his 88 descendants – including spouses - until his final day.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Luman S. Howell and Lizzie Howell: wife Julita “Kathy” Howell; daughter, Joani Hathaway; sister, Marion Golgart and brothers, Bob Howell and Howard Howell. He is survived by his wife, Helen Howell; brother Donald Howell; six children—Ross (Linda) Howell, Jeri (Eric) Miller, Lani (Terri) Howell, Vivian Stafford, Deana Perlmutter, and Francie Bailey; 34 grandchildren; 36 great-grandchildren; and 5 great-great-grandchildren, all of whom will miss him dearly.

A memorial service will be held on Tuesday, January 10, 2026, at Our Savior’s Corner of Hope Church, located at 1975 S. Garrison Street, Lakewood, Colorado 80227.

10:00 a.m. – Viewing

11:00 a.m. – Memorial Service

Luncheon reception to follow at the church

Interment will take place at 3:00 p.m. at Olinger Cemetery at Crown Hill, 7777 W. 29th Avenue, Wheat Ridge, Colorado 80033.