George Howell

d. December 4, 2015George W. Howell, age 94, born in Columbus, OH and a long time resident of Rio Rancho, NM passed away Friday, December 4, 2015 at home with his family at his side.  Mr. Howell leaves his beloved wife of thirty  years, Olga; children John W. Wilson, and wife, Dalana, James  W. Howell and wife, Sylvia, Don M. Wilson and wife, Linda, Judie Roush and husband, Kit,  Thomas E. Howell and wife, Heather, Catherine A. Brusuelas and husband, Daniel;  seventeen grandchildren; numerous great-grandchildren. George was preceded in death by his parents, Ian F. and Hortense Fowler Howell; and his son, Chris. George ventured to his aunt, Alice Latta's home in Dubois, Wyoming for part of his high school, and later graduated from St. Thomas Aquinas, Columbus, OH.  He was also a Veteran of the U.S. Army serving in the Infantry, during WWII.  He was then assigned to an Engineer's Battalion in Europe, and finally served in the Philippines until the War's end.  He continued on active duty as a guard at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas until 1952.  After his discharge that year, he joined the Army Reserve, serving in Missouri and New Mexico, retiring in 1966 as a Captain.  George was very proud of his Army service.  He was a member of the Rio Rancho Veteran's Coffee Group who met weekly in Rio Rancho until his ill health limited his ability to attend meetings.  They were probably the highlights of his week.  Professionally, George worked as an independent insurance underwriter in Kansas City, MO and he also had an agency, Transwestern Underwriters, in Albuquerque, NM for many years.  George fought a good fight and although he didn't make it to age 100 as he hoped he would, he did his part in adding to the number of long-lived ancestors.  He also kept working towards his college degree and graduated from the University of Albuquerque in 1983.  The family extends its thanks for the loving care provided by the caretakers of Home Instead, and the loyal friends who comforted Olga after her loss.  Visitation will be Friday, December 11, 2015 at Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary Catholic Church,5415 Fortuna Rd. NW from 8:30 a.m. until 9:00 a.m. with Mass of Christian Burial to be celebrated at 9:00 a.m.  Committal Service will be Monday, December 14, 2015 at the Santa Fe National Cemetery at 12:45 p.m.To sign Mr. Howell's guest book, please scroll down and fill out the comment box.Thank you,The Gabaldon Family & Staff

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