Richard Donald “Deac” Howell, Sr., age 86 of Grand Rapids, died Sunday, August 25, 2013. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Annie and brother, Jerry Howell. He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Mary Lou “Muffy” Howell; children, Dick (Sue), Mary Elizabeth, Mike Howell, Maureen (Dr. David) Krhovsky, Sharon and Jim Howell; grandchildren, Mary (Brian) Hannon, David Jr. and Mark Krhovsky; sisters-in-law, Suzy Howell, Barb Gillespie, Shirley (Bob) Hickey; brother-in-law, Tom Wilson. Deac was Class President of the Catholic Central Class of 1944 and was a 1949 graduate of the University of Notre Dame. He was a founding partner and past president of Lumberman’s, Inc., retiring after 31 years. Deac was a lifetime member of the YMCA and a receiver of the CC/WC Alumni Association Distinguished Service Award. Although he was a successful businessman, he was always the same Deac, willing to help his parish, his Alma Maters or his friends. Deac remained devoted until the end to his religion and his family always willing to give advice or support in whatever was needed. His devotion to “Muffy” showed his deep commitment to his Catholic marriage. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Thursday 11:00 AM at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church, 1935 Plymouth SE, Msgr. Ernest P. Schneider, presiding. Interment Woodlawn Cemetery. Visitation Wednesday 2-4 and 6-8 PM with a vigil service at 6:00 PM at the O’Brien-Eggebeen-Gerst Chapel, 3980 Cascade Rd. SE and Thursday one hour prior to the service at church. Those planning on expression of sympathy are asked to consider Dominican Sisters-Grand Rapids, Marywood Legacy Campaign, 2025 East Fulton, Grand Rapids, MI 49503-3895 or the Catholic Central Advancement Office, Cathedral Square Center, 360 Division Ave. S, Grand Rapids, MI 49503-4501.
