Herb Benjamin Howell

Herb graduated from Hastings high school in 1953. He was proud to serve his country in the Army, where he was stationed overseas. In the fall of 1959, Herb met a young lady named Reva while working on her father’s farm. Herb thought she was the prettiest girl he had ever seen and thought that his whole life. They married on September 17, 1960, in the Otsego Church of God.  They lived and raised their family in the Gun Lake area. 

Herb was a farmer for many years and loved to work in his garden, his specialty was growing tomatoes.  He loved all music, but Bluegrass & Gospel were his favorite. Not only did he have a great singing voice, but he played the harmonica and steel guitar, learning by ear. Herb was creative in designing tools to help him with whatever he was doing.  He had home remedies for just about anything.  His recall and ability to tell corny jokes was legendary. Bowling a perfect 300 game was one of the highlights for Herb while playing in the church league. He was a faithful servant to the Lord and a member of the Church of God for most of his life. Herb was an honest, humble and hardworking man that loved his family and will be dearly missed.

Surviving is Herb’s wife of 62 years Reva; his children: Teresa Norman, Kelvin Howell, JoAnn (Raffee) Johns, Christine (Andy, Sr.) Spencer, Melissa (Scott) Ernstes; 9 grandchildren; 6 great grandchildren, as well as many nieces and nephews.

Preceding Herb in passing are his parents and his 11 siblings.

A memorial service will be held on Monday, June 5 at the Otsego Church of God; 112 Kalamazoo St., Otsego, MI 49078.  Visit with family and friends from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. A memorial service will follow at 11:00 a.m.  Interment will be at Oak Hill Cemetery at 2:00 p.m.

Memorial donations can be made to the Otsego Church of God

While at www.amsfuneralhomes.com please take time to sign Herb’s guestbook and/or share a memory with his family.

The Howell family is being cared for by the Avink, McCowen & Secord Funeral Homes and Cremation Society, 120 S. Woodhams St., Plainwell MI, 49080 269-685-5881.