Obituary of Robert W Howell

Missionary, Rev. Robert W. Howell, age 98, of Lehigh Acres, FL departed his earthly life for his heavenly home on Saturday, 8/28/2021 at Gulf Coast Hospital in Ft Myers, FL. 

Robert Walton Howell was born May 17, 1923, in Utila Cays, Bay Islands, Honduras to the late Edward and Edith Howell. He served with the Merchant Marines during WW2. During his time on the ships, Robert surrendered to God’s call to return to Honduras as a missionary. He served there full-time for 64 years and continued preaching well into his retirement. He planted over fifteen churches along the northern coast of Honduras, served as a pastor in several of those churches, and loved the Honduran people dearly. In his spare time, he enjoyed building boats, singing, and reading his Bible. He was passionate about sharing the good news of Jesus Christ and the hope of salvation. He lived a rich, full, and fascinating life. He loved to share stories about his childhood on the Islands, his adventures on the ships, and his experiences while following the Lord. He was charming, he loved to laugh, and he enjoyed life. 

Robert was a beloved husband, devoted father, loving grandfather, and passionate pastor and teacher. His life impacted everyone who met him. He will be greatly missed. 
Proceeded in death by his daughter Mary Jo Howell, 1st wife and mother of his children Dorothy Howell, 2nd wife Helen Howell, and Son Martin "Marty" Howell.

Survived by two sons and two daughters: Cheryl Howell (Widow of Martin Howell), Paul Howell (Lois), Robert "Bob" Howell (Sherry), Joy Howell (Patt), and Carol Howell-Sifert (Vic). 

Twelve grandchildren: Amber (Howell) Vance, April Howell, Erik Howell, Katie Howell, Brianna Howell, Josh Howell, Aaron Howell, Christina (Howell) Vanaman, Julie (Howell) Vanaman, Tim Howell, Brittany (Howell) Crow, and Kristen Knowles. 

Eighteen great-grandchildren:  Jonathan Vance, Joey Vance, Javin Vance, Jackson Vance, Amberlyn Vance, Analiese Vance, Kaylyn (Howell) Mills, Dalton Howell, Caleb Howell, Andrew Howell, Noah Vanaman, Riley Vanaman, and Claire Vanaman, Matthew Vanaman, Natalie Vanaman, Reese Vanaman, Jude Vanaman, and Charlotte Crow. 

One great-great-granddaughter: Hope Mills. 

"His lord said unto him, Well done, good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord." Matthew 25:23

"For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain."  Philippians 1:21

There will be a brief graveside service for anyone who would like to attend at Ridgelawn Cemetery on Sugarland Hwy., Clewiston, FL on Friday, 9/03/2021 at 1:30 pm. 
There will be no tent or chairs provided, so please bring your own umbrellas. 
Arrangements by Akin-Davis Funeral Home - Clewiston, FL. 
In lieu of flowers, the family is accepting donations to be allocated to his ministry in Honduras through the Robert W. Howell Memorial Fund GoFundMe page
www.gofundme.com/f/robert-w-howell-memorial-fund
Help us to continue the work for Christ in Honduras with the people Robert Howell loved.